Question
The student increased the resistance of the variable resistor. How did increasing the resistance affect the current in the circuit?
Answer
4
(292 Votes)
Arabella
Veteran · Tutor for 9 years
Answer
Increasing the resistance decreases the current in the circuit.
Explanation
The resistance and current in a circuit have a specific relationship defined by Ohm's Law. Ohm's Law states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, and inversely proportional to the resistance between them. Hence, when the resistance increases, the current decreases, all else being equal. This is because the resistance creates an obstruction to the flow of electrons (current) in the circuit. Thus, when resistance is increased, less current will flow if the voltage remains constant.