What will happen to the current in a circuit if the voltage remains constant and the resistance drops by half?

What will happen to the current in a circuit if the voltage remains constant and the resistance drops by half?

• A. It will halve.
• B. It will double.
• C. It will remain the same.
• D. It will stop flowing.

Answer: (B)

In a circuit, the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) is defined by Ohm's Law, which states that I = V/R. This formula shows that the current is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance. When the voltage remains constant, and the resistance is reduced, the denominator in the equation I = V/R decreases. Specifically, if the resistance drops by half, the new resistance value is R/2. Substituting this into the formula gives I = V/(R/2), which simplifies to I = 2V/R. This shows that the current doubles when the resistance is halved while maintaining the same voltage. Thus, maintaining constant voltage with reduced resistance leads to an increase in current, which precisely matches the understanding that the current will double. This explanation aligns with the principles of electrical circuits and the mathematical relationship governing them.

In a circuit, the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) is defined by Ohm's Law, which states that I = V/R. This formula shows that the current is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance.

When the voltage remains constant, and the resistance is reduced, the denominator in the equation I = V/R decreases. Specifically, if the resistance drops by half, the new resistance value is R/2. Substituting this into the formula gives I = V/(R/2), which simplifies to I = 2V/R. This shows that the current doubles when the resistance is halved while maintaining the same voltage.

Thus, maintaining constant voltage with reduced resistance leads to an increase in current, which precisely matches the understanding that the current will double. This explanation aligns with the principles of electrical circuits and the mathematical relationship governing them.