Chapter 27, Problem 11SP

If the current supplied to a resistor is doubled, what happens to the power it dissipates?

To determine

The change in power dissipated by the resistor when the current supplied is doubled.

Answer to Problem 11SP

Solution:

The power dissipatedis quadrupled.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The expression of power loss in a resistor is written as

$P=I^{2}R$

Here, $P$ is the power, $I$ is the current, and $R$ is the resistance.

Explanation:

Understand that the resistance of the resistor is a constant value. Therefore,

$P\propto I^2$

Thus, the power is directly proportional to the square of the current.

Conclusion:

Therefore, if the current is doubled then the power dissipated by the resistor is quadruples.