Current flow is directly affected by which of the following?

Prepare for the IBEW Apprenticeship Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Current flow in an electrical circuit is influenced by both temperature and resistance.

When considering temperature, it's important to note that as the temperature of a conductor increases, the resistance typically increases as well. This is due to the increased vibration of atoms within the material, which impedes the flow of electric current. For example, in metals, higher temperatures lead to higher resistance, which can ultimately decrease the current flow for a given voltage.

Resistance, on the other hand, is a direct factor affecting current flow according to Ohm's law, which states that current (I) is equal to voltage (V) divided by resistance (R). If the resistance increases while the voltage remains constant, the current will decrease. Conversely, a decrease in resistance allows more current to flow for the same voltage.

Together, these factors—both temperature and resistance—interact to determine the overall current flow in a circuit. Understanding this interplay is critical when working with electrical systems, as variations in either can significantly affect performance and safety.

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