What is produced when current flows through a resistance?

When current flows through a resistance, it causes the electrons to collide with atoms within the material of the resistor. This collision results in energy being released in the form of heat. The amount of heat generated can be quantified using Joule's law, which states that the heat produced is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance. This phenomenon is critical in electrical circuits, as it can lead to increased temperatures which may need to be managed to prevent damage to components.

While voltage is necessary for current to flow, it is not directly a product of that flowing current through resistance. Light and sound can also be generated by electrical currents in specific contexts (like in light bulbs or speakers), but they are not the direct result of the standard definition of electrical resistance in a conductor. The primary outcome of current passing through a resistive element in most wiring and circuit applications is indeed the production of heat.