Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 18 - Electric Currents - Questions - Page 520: 6

Answer

There is no contradiction.

Work Step by Step

In the first power equation, $P=\frac{V^{2}}{R}$, to say that power decreases as resistance increases is to imply that the voltage stays constant. In the second power equation, $P=I^{2}R$, to say that power increases as resistance increases is to imply that the current stays constant. Both voltage and current cannot stay constant in any single situation if the resistance is changing; One must be changing. So in one of those equations the underlying assumption is not upheld, and there is no contradiction.
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