What happens to the voltage when current flows through a resistor?

Get ready for the SIFT Mechanical Comprehension Test with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to optimize learning. Excel in your exam preparation!

When current flows through a resistor, there is a drop in voltage across the resistor. This phenomenon can be explained by Ohm's Law, which states that voltage (V) is equal to the product of current (I) and resistance (R). Mathematically, it can be expressed as V = I × R.

As current flows through the resistor, energy is dissipated in the form of heat. This energy loss leads to a decrease in voltage across the resistor since the current is working against the resistance, converting electrical energy into thermal energy. Thus, as the current increases, the voltage drop across the resistor also increases, meaning that the voltage available after the resistor is less than that before the resistor, confirming that the voltage decreases.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy