Cathodic Protection Tester Practice Exam

Which electrical law states that current will follow the path of least resistance?

1. Voltage Law

2. Ohm's Law

3. Current Law

4. Kirchhoff's Law

The correct answer is: Voltage Law

The principle that describes how current behaves in a circuit is generally understood in the context of Ohm's Law, which signifies that the flow of current (I) 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 (expressed as I = V/R). This law provides insight into why current prefers to flow through paths of lesser resistance when given multiple pathways. When there are multiple conductive routes available, current opts for the route offering the least resistance, as this allows it to flow more easily and efficiently. Hence, the flow of current is heavily influenced by resistance in the path, illustrating why understanding resistance is crucial in electrical work, such as designing circuits and implementing cathodic protection systems. Other options discussed might cover different aspects of electrical theory. For instance, Kirchhoff's Laws focus on conservation of charge and energy in electrical circuits, which, while relevant, do not specifically address the behavior of current with respect to resistance. Understanding these laws is essential, but they do not encapsulate the direct relationship between current and resistance as succinctly as Ohm's Law does.