If the source voltage is increased in a circuit, what usually happens to the power consumed?

When the source voltage is increased in a circuit, the power consumed typically increases, assuming the resistance remains constant. This relationship arises from the equation for electrical power, which is given by the formula:

[ P = V^2 / R ]

where ( P ) is power, ( V ) is voltage, and ( R ) is resistance. According to this formula, if the voltage (source voltage) increases and resistance remains constant, the power consumption will increase as the square of the voltage. This quadratic relationship indicates that even a small increase in voltage can lead to a significant increase in power consumed.

This principle also aligns with Ohm's Law (( V = IR )), which further supports that an increase in voltage, with constant resistance, results in a higher current flow. Consequently, this increased current combined with the higher voltage leads to greater power consumption in the circuit.