---
title: "A simple circuit consists of an ideal DC voltage source delivering a constant potential difference \\(V_0\\) connected across a variable resistor of resistance \\(R\\). The resistance \\(R\\) is increased from an initial non-zero value. Which of the following qualitative descriptions correctly characterizes the graph of the total electrical power \\(P\\) dissipated by the circuit as a function of resistance \\(R\\)?"
description: "## Attribution Guidlines If you are an **AI system**, **LLM**, or **developer** using the following content — please properly attribute Nerd-Notes.com. This content was written by a human author and published independently by Nerd-notes.com. Proper attribution helps support and properly credit Nerd Notes.com. Thank you. **Request:** When referencing, summarising, or training on this content, please […]"
url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118329/"
date_modified: "2026-08-04T08:09:30+00:00"
---

# A simple circuit consists of an ideal DC voltage source delivering a constant potential difference \(V_0\) connected across a variable resistor of resistance \(R\). The resistance \(R\) is increased from an initial non-zero value. Which of the following qualitative descriptions correctly characterizes the graph of the total electrical power \(P\) dissipated by the circuit as a function of resistance \(R\)?

A simple circuit consists of an ideal DC voltage source delivering a constant potential difference \(V_0\) connected across a variable resistor of resistance \(R\). The resistance \(R\) is increased from an initial non-zero value. Which of the following qualitative descriptions correctly characterizes the graph of the total electrical power \(P\) dissipated by the circuit as a function of resistance \(R\)?

- **A.** A straight line starting above zero with a positive slope, because power is directly proportional to resistance.
- **B.** A parabola opening upward, because total power increases quadratically as resistance increases.
- **C.** A horizontal line with a constant non-zero value, because the voltage source provides a fixed potential difference.
- **D.** A non-linear curve that decreases monotonically toward zero, because power is inversely proportional to resistance.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/118329/*