According to Ohm’s law in a constant-voltage circuit, what happens to the electric current when the circuit resistance decreases (all other conditions unchanged)?

Introduction / Context:
Ohm’s law establishes the relationship among voltage, current, and resistance in linear circuits. Understanding how current responds to a change in resistance at constant voltage is essential for troubleshooting and safe design, including power estimation and component selection.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Applied voltage is constant.
• Resistance decreases.
• The conductor behaves linearly (Ohmic behavior) without temperature-induced nonlinearity.

Concept / Approach:
Ohm’s law states I = V / R. With voltage V fixed, current I is inversely proportional to resistance R. Therefore, reducing R increases I. This also impacts power: P = V * I = V^2 / R; as R decreases, power rises, potentially stressing components.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Start with I = V / R.Decrease R while holding V constant.Since I is inversely proportional to R, I must increase.Consequent effect: P = V^2 / R also increases, raising thermal stress.

Verification / Alternative check:
Example: V = 10 V. If R changes from 1 kΩ to 500 Ω, I changes from 10 mA to 20 mA, confirming current increases as R decreases.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Decrease” and “remain the same” contradict I = V / R with fixed V.

“Double” is only true for a specific halving of R, not a general statement.

“Drop to zero” is impossible unless V is zero or an open circuit exists.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring power dissipation during resistance changes; excessive current can overheat components.

Final Answer:
increase