Effect of increasing load resistance on load current (Ohm’s law context) If the load resistance in a simple source–load circuit increases while the source voltage remains the same, how will the load current change?

Introduction / Context:
Ohm’s law governs the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in linear circuits. Understanding how current responds when resistance changes at a fixed source voltage is foundational for troubleshooting and design.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ideal DC source with constant voltage.
• Single effective load resistance (or equivalent resistance) connected.
• Linear, ohmic behavior with no active regulation.

Concept / Approach:
Ohm’s law states I = V / R. With V held constant, current is inversely proportional to resistance. Therefore, if R increases, I must decrease. This principle holds for both single resistors and equivalent resistances after simplifying more complex networks.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Start with I = V / R.Hold V constant; consider R → R + ΔR with ΔR > 0.Compute new current: I_new = V / (R + ΔR) < V / R = I_old.Thus, the load current decreases as load resistance increases.

Verification / Alternative check:
Numerical example: V = 10 V, R from 1 kΩ to 2 kΩ. Current changes from 10 mA to 5 mA, confirming the inverse relationship.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Vary: too vague; direction is deterministically downward.Remain constant: would require a constant-current source, not a fixed-voltage source.Increase: opposite of Ohm’s law with fixed voltage.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that some supplies regulate current; here the assumption is a fixed-voltage source. Misinterpreting “load increase” as power instead of resistance value.

Final Answer:
decrease