ABYC Marine Electrical Practice Exam

What occurs if circuit resistance increases?

1. Amps increase

2. Amps decrease

3. Voltage increases

4. It has no effect

The correct answer is: Amps decrease

When circuit resistance increases, the flow of current (measured in amperes, or amps) through the circuit decreases. This relationship is described by Ohm's Law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R). The formula can be expressed as I = V/R. If the voltage remains constant and the resistance increases, it causes the current to decrease proportionally. This means that with higher resistance, less current is able to flow in the circuit, which is essential for understanding how electrical systems operate in marine applications and ensuring safety and efficiency in the design and troubleshooting of such circuits. It's important to remember that this principle is fundamental in electrical engineering, as it helps predict how changes in the circuit will affect overall performance, enabling better management of electrical systems on boats and other marine vessels.