In a circuit, current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to what?

Prepare for the IBEW Apprenticeship 2nd Year, 1st Period Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer is resistance because in an electrical circuit, Ohm's Law states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R), which can be expressed mathematically as I = V/R. This relationship demonstrates that current is directly proportional to voltage—it increases as voltage increases—and inversely proportional to resistance. This means that if resistance increases while keeping voltage constant, the current will decrease.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for interpreting and analyzing circuit behavior. For example, in a practical scenario where the voltage supply remains stable, if resistance is minimized (such as by using thicker wires or reducing load), the current will increase, showing the inverse relationship. This concept is fundamental for electricians and engineers when designing circuits or troubleshooting electrical systems.

The other choices do not align with the direct and inverse relationships defined by Ohm's Law. For instance, current does not inversely relate to itself, nor does it directly relate to power, which involves both current and voltage, and frequency typically pertains to alternating current characteristics rather than being a factor of direct and inverse proportional relationships in basic circuit analysis.

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