Resistance Physics Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

easy
If the resistance of a wire doubles and the voltage stays the same, what happens to the current?

Solution

  1. 1
    From Ohm's law: I=VRI = \frac{V}{R}.
  2. 2
    If RR doubles: I=V2R=12VR=I2I' = \frac{V}{2R} = \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{V}{R} = \frac{I}{2}

Answer

The current is halved.\text{The current is halved.}
Current is inversely proportional to resistance at constant voltage. Doubling resistance halves the current.

About Resistance

A measure of how strongly a material opposes electric current, measured in ohms (Ω\Omega) — higher resistance means less current for a given voltage.

Learn more about Resistance →

More Resistance Examples