Question

Write a hypothesis about the effect of increasing resistance 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 resistance in a circuit increases while voltage stays the same, then the current will decrease because current is inversely proportional to resistance (I = V/R).

Answer to lesson question: Changes in voltage and resistance affect current according to Ohm's law: increasing voltage (with resistance constant) increases current proportionally, while increasing resistance (with voltage constant) decreases current inversely. For example, doubling the voltage doubles the current; doubling the resistance halves the current.
Sample Response: If resistance in a circuit is increased under constant voltage, then current must decrease because Ohm's law states that resistance and current are inversely proportional.

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

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

Answer 1

All four apply.

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