Question

students using an ammeter to record the current through three different resistors as the voltage applied to each resistor was increased. the data collected is shown in the model given, based on the experimental data shown in the graphical model, which claim is best about the resistance values of the three resistors?
a resistor 1 has the largest resistance because it has the smallest current at each applied voltage.
b resistor 3 has the largest resistance because it has the largest current at each applied voltage.
c resistor 3 has the largest resistance because it has the smallest current at each applied voltage.
d resistor 1 has the largest resistance because it has the largest current at each applied voltage.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Ohm's Law

Ohm's Law is \(I=\frac{V}{R}\), which can be rearranged to \(R = \frac{V}{I}\).

Step2: Analyze the relationship between \(R\), \(V\), and \(I\)

For a given voltage \(V\), the resistance \(R\) is inversely proportional to the current \(I\). That is, when \(V\) is constant, \(R\propto\frac{1}{I}\).

Step3: Compare the currents of the three resistors

Looking at the graph, for each value of applied voltage \(V\), resistor 3 has the smallest current \(I\). Using \(R=\frac{V}{I}\), when \(V\) is the same (for each applied voltage point), a smaller \(I\) means a larger \(R\). So resistor 3 has the largest resistance.

Answer:

C. Resistor 3 has the largest resistance because it has the smallest current at each applied voltage.