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Chapter 7: Problem 26

A simple electric circuit consists of a constant-voltage power supply and a variable resistor. What effect does reducing the resistance have on the current in the circuit and on the power output of the power supply?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Reducing the resistance in a simple electric circuit with a constant-voltage power supply will cause the current to increase and the power output of the power supply to increase.

Step by step solution

01

Recall Ohm's law

Ohm's law is a formula used to describe the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electric circuit. It is given by the equation: I = V / R Where: - I is the current in amperes (A) - V is the voltage in volts (V) - R is the resistance in ohms (Ω)
02

Analyze the effect of reducing the resistance on the current

According to Ohm's law, we have I = V / R. If the voltage is constant and resistance decreases, the fraction V/R will increase, meaning the current will also increase. Therefore, reducing the resistance in the circuit will cause the current to increase.
03

Recall the formula for electric power

We'll now consider the effect of reducing the resistance on the power output of the power supply. The formula for electric power (P) is given by: P = V * I Where: - P is the power in watts (W) - V is the voltage in volts (V) - I is the current in amperes (A)
04

Analyze the effect of reducing the resistance on the power output

From Step 2, we know that reducing the resistance will increase the current. From the power formula, P = V * I, if the voltage is constant and the current increases, the power output will also increase. Therefore, reducing the resistance in the circuit will cause the power output of the power supply to increase. In conclusion, reducing the resistance in a simple electric circuit with a constant-voltage power supply will cause the current to increase and the power output of the power supply to increase.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

D There are two basic methods for connecting more than one electrical device in a circuit. Name, describe, and give the advantages of each.

An electrical supply company sells two models of 100 -watt power supplies (the maximum power output is \(100 \mathrm{~W})\), one with an output of \(12 \mathrm{~V}\) and the other \(6 \mathrm{~V}\). What can you conclude about the maximum current that the two power supplies can produce?

EIf electrons are flowing clockwise around an electric circuit, which way is the conventional current flowing in the circuit?

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