Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

In an electrical circuit, what does resistance primarily determine?

1. Current flow

2. Voltage drop

3. Power consumption

4. Short circuit potential

The correct answer is: Current flow

Resistance primarily determines how easily electrical current can flow through a circuit. When resistance increases, it restricts the flow of current, meaning that for a given voltage, less current will flow through the circuit according to Ohm's Law (V = I × R). In this equation, V represents voltage, I represents current, and R represents resistance. Thus, understanding resistance is crucial for predicting how much current will flow under specific voltage conditions. Voltage drop, power consumption, and short circuit potential are all interconnected with current flow, but they are influenced by additional factors such as voltage applied in the circuit or the overall circuit design. For instance, while resistance affects how much current can flow, it does not directly dictate how voltage is distributed or how power is consumed without considering the voltage and current together. Similarly, determining short circuit potential involves understanding both the resistance of components and the overall circuit configuration.