If resistance increases in a simple electrical circuit with a constant supply voltage, what happens to the current?

In a simple electrical circuit, the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) is defined by Ohm’s Law, which states that I = V/R. When the supply voltage remains constant and resistance increases, the formula indicates that the current must decrease.

This is because as resistance rises, the denominator in the equation becomes larger, which results in a smaller current value. In practical terms, if you think about it in terms of water flowing through a pipe, if the pipe gets narrower (analogous to an increase in resistance), less water (or current) can flow through. Hence, with increased resistance and unchanged voltage, the current will decrease proportionally.

Understanding this principle is crucial for diagnosing issues in electrical systems, as it helps technicians anticipate how changes in resistance impacts overall circuit performance.