For a circuit using DC current, if the resistance doubles, what will happen to the amperage?

Study for the Heavy Duty Technician Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

In a circuit powered by direct current (DC), Ohm's Law applies, which states that the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) can be defined by the formula: V = I × R. When the resistance in the circuit doubles, while the voltage remains constant, the current (or amperage) will indeed be affected.

To understand this, consider Ohm's Law rearranged to calculate current: I = V/R. If the resistance (R) increases while the voltage (V) stays the same, the value of I must decrease. Specifically, if the resistance is doubled, the new amperage can be expressed as I' = V/(2R). This clearly illustrates that the amperage will be half of what it was previously.

Thus, when resistance doubles, the current decreases to half its original value, leading to a decrease in amperage. This is consistent with the fundamental principles of electrical circuits and the behavior of current under changing resistance conditions.

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