Chapter 10, Problem 11RQ

When the voltage across the ends of a piece of the wire is doubled, what effect does this have on the current in the wire?

To determine

The effect of the current in the wire when the voltage across the piece of wire is doubled.

Answer to Problem 11RQ

The current across the piece of wire becomes double to maintain the resistance of the wire.

Explanation of Solution

The flow of electrons in the electric circuit per unit time is called current. The flow of electrons in the electric circuit depends on the resistance and the voltage of the electric circuit. The resistance of the electric circuit can only be varied by changing the dimension of the wire. If the resistance of the electric circuit remains same, then only voltage can vary the current in the circuit.

The current in the electric circuit is directly proportional to the voltage for same resistance of the electric circuit. The voltage across the piece of wire is doubled, so the current also becomes doubles to maintain the same resistance of the electric circuit.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the current across the piece of wire become double to maintain the resistance of the wire due to doubling the voltage across the piece of wire.