Ohm’s law proportionality — voltage vs. current: Doubling the voltage across a fixed resistor will cut the current by half. Evaluate this statement for a linear (ohmic) resistor.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Ohm’s law is the foundational relationship between voltage, current, and resistance: V = I * R. Misstatements about proportionality are common in quick reasoning under pressure. This question tests whether doubling the applied voltage across a fixed, linear resistor halves the current, doubles it, or does something else.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Resistor is linear (ohmic) over the operating range.
  • Resistance R is constant with voltage in the scenario.
  • Ambient and self-heating effects are negligible for the concept check.


Concept / Approach:
From I = V / R, holding R constant means current is directly proportional to voltage. If V is doubled, I must also double, not be halved. The statement in the stem therefore contradicts Ohm’s law for an ohmic resistor. Non-ohmic devices (lamps, diodes) may not follow V/I linearity, but they are not “resistors” in the ideal Ohm’s law sense posed by the question.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Start with I1 = V1 / R.Double the voltage: V2 = 2 * V1 while R is unchanged.Compute I2 = V2 / R = (2 * V1) / R = 2 * (V1 / R) = 2 * I1.Conclude that current doubles when voltage doubles across a fixed resistor.


Verification / Alternative check:
Graphing the I–V curve of a resistor gives a straight line through the origin with slope 1/R. Doubling V moves you to a point with twice the current on the same line—consistent with the direct proportionality.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Correct: Not correct; the correct behavior is doubling, not halving.
  • Only correct for non-ohmic devices: The question states “resistor”; non-ohmic devices are outside scope.
  • Correct only if temperature rises: Temperature coefficients can change R slightly but not invert proportionality to make current half for doubled voltage.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing series/parallel changes in R with changes in applied V; attributing non-linear device behavior to ideal resistors.


Final Answer:
Incorrect.

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