Question

A resistor of resistance R is connected to an ideal battery. If the value of R is decreased, the power dissipated in the resistor will ______________ .

Options

• increase

• decrease

• remain unchanged

Answer 1

increase

 

As the resistance is connected to an ideal battery, it provides a constant potential difference across the two terminals. The internal resistance of the battery is also zero.
The power dissipated in the resistor,

P = \[\frac{V^2}{R}\]

V is constant; hence V \[\propto \frac{1}{R^{}}\]

Thus, if the value of the resistance is decreased, the power dissipated in the resistor will increase.