What is the effect of increasing the resistance in a circuit on current flow, according to Ohm's law?

Prepare for the MTA Transit Electrical Helper Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Hints and explanations accompany each question. Get ready for your exam!

According to Ohm's law, which states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor, an increase in resistance leads to a decrease in current flow. This relationship can be expressed with the formula I = V/R.

When resistance in the circuit increases while the voltage remains constant, the overall current must decrease to maintain the balance described by this equation. Essentially, if you think of resistance as a hindrance to the flow of electric charge, then higher resistance means it's harder for the current to flow, thus reducing the current.

This understanding aligns with the principles of basic electrical engineering and physics, highlighting how resistance affects current in a linear circuit.

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