If the length of a conductor is doubled with all other parameters unchanged, how does the current change?

Prepare for the ASA Aviation Maintenance Technician General Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

If the length of a conductor is doubled with all other parameters unchanged, how does the current change?

Explanation:
When length increases while everything else stays the same, the conductor’s resistance increases in proportion to its length. For a uniform conductor, R = ρL/A, so doubling the length doubles the resistance. With a fixed voltage source, current is I = V/R, so doubling R makes the current fall to half. In other words, the current decreases by half. (If the source were a fixed current source, the current would stay the same and the voltage would adjust instead, but that’s not the scenario described.)

When length increases while everything else stays the same, the conductor’s resistance increases in proportion to its length. For a uniform conductor, R = ρL/A, so doubling the length doubles the resistance. With a fixed voltage source, current is I = V/R, so doubling R makes the current fall to half. In other words, the current decreases by half. (If the source were a fixed current source, the current would stay the same and the voltage would adjust instead, but that’s not the scenario described.)

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy