What term describes the 'friction' that slows down the flow of current in a circuit?

What term describes the 'friction' that slows down the flow of current in a circuit?

• A. Voltage
• B. Resistance
• C. Capacitance
• D. Inductance

Answer: (B)

Resistance describes the friction that slows the flow of electric charges in a circuit. It depends on factors like material, temperature, length, and cross-sectional area, and it determines how much current flows for a given push. According to Ohm’s law, current equals voltage divided by resistance. So, with the same voltage, higher resistance means smaller current, and the energy is dissipated as heat in the resistive element. The other terms describe different roles: voltage is the push that drives current, capacitance stores charge and affects how voltage changes over time, and inductance resists changes in current due to magnetic effects, influencing transient behavior rather than steady friction.

Resistance describes the friction that slows the flow of electric charges in a circuit. It depends on factors like material, temperature, length, and cross-sectional area, and it determines how much current flows for a given push. According to Ohm’s law, current equals voltage divided by resistance. So, with the same voltage, higher resistance means smaller current, and the energy is dissipated as heat in the resistive element. The other terms describe different roles: voltage is the push that drives current, capacitance stores charge and affects how voltage changes over time, and inductance resists changes in current due to magnetic effects, influencing transient behavior rather than steady friction.