What does an increase in resistance in a circuit typically do to the current?

An increase in resistance in a circuit typically results in a decrease in current. This behavior is grounded in Ohm's Law, which states that the current (I) flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage (V) across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance (R) of the conductor. The formula can be expressed as I = V / R.

When the resistance increases while the voltage remains constant, the current must decrease to maintain the balance prescribed by Ohm's Law. For instance, if you think of a water analogy, an increase in the size of an obstruction in a pipe would reduce the flow of water, similar to how increased resistance in an electrical circuit lowers the flow of current. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the fundamental relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits.