Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC ) Electrical Practice Test

In electrical terms, what does the additional resistance in a circuit primarily affect?

1. Voltage

2. Current flow

3. Inductance

4. Power factor

The correct answer is: Current flow

When additional resistance is added to a circuit, it primarily affects the current flow. According to Ohm's Law, which states that voltage equals current times resistance (V = IR), increasing the resistance in a circuit while keeping the voltage constant will lead to a reduction in the current. This relationship shows how resistance opposes the flow of current, thereby affecting how much electricity can flow through the circuit. In practical applications, such as HVAC systems, managing the current flow is crucial because it impacts the performance and efficiency of the components involved, like compressors or fans. If resistance is too high, it can lead to insufficient current reaching these components, affecting their operation. The other aspects mentioned, such as voltage, inductance, and power factor, may be influenced indirectly, but the most direct relationship is with current flow. Higher resistance means less current will pass through, demonstrating the fundamental principle that resistance serves as an opposing force to current movement.