What is the effect of increasing resistance in a circuit, if the voltage remains constant?

• A. The current decreases
• B. The current increases
• C. The voltage increases
• D. The current remains the same

Answer: (A)

When resistance in a circuit is increased while maintaining a constant voltage, the current flowing through the circuit will decrease. This relationship is described by Ohm's Law, which states that voltage (V) equals current (I) times resistance (R), or V = I × R.

By rearranging this equation, we find that current can be expressed as I = V / R. If the voltage remains unchanged and the resistance is increased, the denominator in the equation increases, which results in a smaller value for current. Therefore, when resistance increases with voltage constant, it leads to a decrease in current.

This principle is fundamental in understanding how electrical circuits operate and is crucial in applications ranging from simple circuit design to more complex electrical systems. Understanding this relationship is essential for anyone studying electrical science and working with circuits.