Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

According to Ohm's Law, what happens to the current in a circuit as the resistance increases when voltage remains constant?

1. The current increases

2. The current decreases

3. The current stays the same

4. The current fluctuates

The correct answer is: The current decreases

Ohm's Law states that the current (I) through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor. This can be expressed by the formula I = V/R. When the voltage remains constant and resistance increases, the equation illustrates that with a larger value in the denominator (resistance), the overall calculation for current yields a smaller result. As resistance goes up, it effectively limits the flow of electric charge, resulting in a decrease in current. Therefore, when considering a circuit with constant voltage, as resistance increases, the current flowing through the circuit must decrease accordingly. This principle is fundamental to understanding how electrical circuits operate and emphasizes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. In contrast, if the current were to increase or stay the same with rising resistance, it would contradict the established relationship defined by Ohm's Law. Similarly, fluctuations in current do not occur under these linear conditions, as they imply changes that are not expected when voltage is held constant. Thus, understanding and applying Ohm's Law is essential for predicting the behavior of electrical circuits based on changes in resistance.