If the resistance in a circuit doubles while the voltage remains constant, what happens to the current?

Prepare for the NLN PAX Science Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations to boost your confidence and exam readiness.

Multiple Choice

If the resistance in a circuit doubles while the voltage remains constant, what happens to the current?

Explanation:
Ohm's Law: current equals voltage divided by resistance (I = V/R). If the voltage stays the same and the resistance doubles, the current becomes I = V/(2R) = (1/2)(V/R). So the current is halved. For example, with 12 V and 6 Ω, I is 2 A; with 12 V and 12 Ω, I becomes 1 A. The current varies inversely with resistance when voltage is constant, so it must decrease to half in this scenario.

Ohm's Law: current equals voltage divided by resistance (I = V/R). If the voltage stays the same and the resistance doubles, the current becomes I = V/(2R) = (1/2)(V/R). So the current is halved. For example, with 12 V and 6 Ω, I is 2 A; with 12 V and 12 Ω, I becomes 1 A. The current varies inversely with resistance when voltage is constant, so it must decrease to half in this scenario.

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