Question

A circuit element maintains a constant resistance. If the current through the circuit element is doubled, what is the effect on the power dissipated by the circuit element

Answer 1

This shows that the power dissipated by the circuit element is four times its original power if the current is doubled.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for calculating the power expended in a circuit is P = I²R... 1

i is the current (in amperes)

R is the resistance (in ohms)

If a circuit element maintains a constant resistance and the current through the circuit element is doubled, then new current I₂ = 2I

New power dissipated P₂ = (I₂)²R

P₂ = (2I)²R

P₂ = 4I²R ... 2

Dividing equation 2 by 1 will give;

P₂/P = 4I²R/I²R

P₂/P = 4

P₂ = 4P

This shows that the power dissipated by the circuit element is four times its original power if the current is doubled.