Question

Write a hypothesis about the effect of increasing voltage on the current in the circuit. Use the
"if . . . then . . . because . . ." format and be sure to answer the lesson question: "How do changes in voltage or resistance affect current in an electric circuit?"

If the voltage applied to a circuit is increased while the resistance stays the same, then the current will increase proportionally, because according to Ohm’s law (I = V/R) a larger voltage produces a larger current.

If the resistance in a circuit is increased while the voltage stays the same, then the current will decrease, because greater resistance opposes the flow of charge and, by Ohm’s law, a larger R yields a smaller I.

Answer to the lesson question: Increasing voltage increases current (if resistance is constant); increasing resistance decreases current (if voltage is constant).
Sample Response: If voltage in a circuit is increased under constant resistance, then current must increase because Ohm's law states that voltage and current are directly proportional.

What did you include in your hypothesis? Check all that apply.

The “if” part of the hypothesis refers to an increase in voltage.
The “then” part of the hypothesis refers to an increase in current.
The “because” part of the hypothesis cites Ohm’s law and the relationship between voltage and current.
Resistance is mentioned as a constant.

Answer 1

All four apply — each item is included in the hypothesis.

- The “if” part refers to an increase in voltage. — Yes
- The “then” part refers to an increase in current. — Yes
- The “because” part cites Ohm’s law and the relationship between voltage and current. — Yes
- Resistance is mentioned as a constant. — Yes