If you double the resistance while holding the voltage constant, what happens to the power dissipated?

Prepare for the General Aandamp;P Test with study guides, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions. Every question includes hints and comprehensive explanations to ensure you are well-prepared. Get ready to succeed!

Multiple Choice

If you double the resistance while holding the voltage constant, what happens to the power dissipated?

Explanation:
Power dissipated by a resistor with a fixed voltage is inversely proportional to resistance. When voltage stays the same and you double the resistance, the current drops because I = V/R. Doubling R makes I half as large, and since power is P = V × I, halving the current with the same voltage gives P = V × (V/2R) = (1/2) × (V^2/R). So the power becomes half of what it was before. An equivalent way to see it is P = V^2 / R; increasing R to 2R makes P drop to V^2/(2R), which is half of V^2/R.

Power dissipated by a resistor with a fixed voltage is inversely proportional to resistance. When voltage stays the same and you double the resistance, the current drops because I = V/R. Doubling R makes I half as large, and since power is P = V × I, halving the current with the same voltage gives P = V × (V/2R) = (1/2) × (V^2/R). So the power becomes half of what it was before. An equivalent way to see it is P = V^2 / R; increasing R to 2R makes P drop to V^2/(2R), which is half of V^2/R.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy