What property of a material tells you the opposition to electric current?

Prepare for the TPC Basic Electricity and Electronics Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The correct answer is resistance because it is a fundamental property of materials that quantifies how much they oppose the flow of electric current. Resistance is measured in ohms and plays a critical role in electrical circuits, as it determines how much current will flow for a given voltage according to Ohm's Law (V = IR, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance). High resistance means lower current flow, while low resistance allows more current to pass through.

Capacitance relates to the ability of a material to store electrical energy in an electric field, which is not directly related to its opposition to current flow. Inductance involves the ability of a coil or conductor to generate an electromotive force when the current changes, which again does not measure opposition to a steady current. Conductivity is the inverse of resistance, indicating how easily a material can conduct electricity. While conductivity can provide insight into how well a material can transmit current, it does not directly describe the opposition to current flow, which is specifically defined by resistance. Understanding these distinctions highlights why resistance is the correct choice when discussing the opposition to electric current.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy