When the current through a resistor is increased by a factor of 4, the power dissipated by the resistor
A) increases by a factor of 4.
B) decreases by a factor of 16.
C) increases by a factor of 16.
D) decreases by a factor of 4.
E) increases by a factor of 2.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The power dissipated by a resistor is given by P = I^2 * R, where P is power, I is current, and R is resistance. If the current is increased by a factor of 4, then the power is increased by a factor of 4^2 = 16, because the power depends on the square of the current.

When the Current Through a Resistor Is Increased by a Factor