In electrical theory, what is the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance?

The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance is defined by Ohm's Law, which states that voltage equals current times resistance. This means that the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it, with resistance acting as the factor that dictates how much current will flow for a given voltage.

In more technical terms, if you increase the voltage, while keeping resistance constant, the current will increase proportionally. Conversely, if you increase the resistance while keeping the voltage constant, the current will decrease. This relationship forms the fundamental principle for circuit analysis and is critical for understanding how electrical systems operate.

The other options misrepresent the relationships defined by Ohm’s Law. Adding voltage to current does not yield resistance, nor does multiplying voltage by resistance equal current; in fact, it is the current that results from dividing voltage by resistance—a misconception fostered by incorrectly applying the formula. Understanding the correct formula helps HVAC technicians predict how electrical components will behave under various conditions.