Question
When the number of components in a SERIES circuit is INCREASED, what effect does this have on the CURRENT? Adding new components DECREASES resistance, therefore CURRENT INCREASES - VOLTAGE is NOT ALTERED Adding new components INCREASES resistance, therefore VOLTAGE DECREASES - CURRENT is NOT ALTERED Adding new components DECREASES resistance, therefore VOLTAGE INCREASES -CURRENT is NOT ALTERED Adding new components INCREASES resistance, therefore CURRENT DECREASES - VOLTAGE is NOT ALTERED
Answer
4.7
(334 Votes)
Laurie
Veteran · Tutor for 9 years
Answer
D
Explanation
A series circuit is such that there is only one path for current to flow. In this configuration, current remains the same across all components. In a series circuit when we add new components(like resistors, capacitors etc), it effectively increases the overall resistance of the circuit. According to Ohm’s Law (I=V/R), when resistance is increased, for a constant Voltage source the current would decrease because".1. Adding new components DECREASES resistance, therefore CURRENT INCREASES - VOLTAGE is NOT ALTERED: This statement is incorrect. In a series circuit, adding new components actually INCREASES the resistance which would decrease the current if the voltage source is constant.2. Adding new components DECREASES resistance, therefore VOLTAGE INCREASES - CURRENT is NOT ALTERED: This is also incorrect, as explained earlier; More components add to the total resistance and doesn't change voltage.3. Adding new components INCREASES resistance, therefore VOLTAGE DECREASES - CURRENT is NOT ALTERED: This choice is False as voltage across the components remains the same in series circuit (If the source is constant). But the current does alter.4. Adding new components INCREASES resistance, therefore CURRENT DECREASES - VOLTAGE is NOT ALTERED: This statement is the correct option in terms of a series circuit. When more components are added, the total resistance increases. With a constant voltage, this would cause the current to decrease, according to Ohm's Law. The voltage is not altered since it stays the same in a series circuit (if supplied from a constant source).