Which of the following combinations will consume more electrical power if connected to the same voltage source?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Lower resistance

Explanation:

• Electrical power (P) is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed in a circuit.
• When components are connected across the same constant voltage source $(V)$, the relevant formula relating power and resistance is: $P = \frac{V^2}{R}$.
• In this formula, power $(P)$ is inversely proportional to the resistance $(R)$.
• Therefore, a combination with a lower resistance will allow a significantly higher current to flow, thereby consuming more electrical power.

• If resistors are connected in a parallel combination, the equivalent overall resistance heavily decreases, thereby drawing more power from the source.
• If resistors are connected in a series combination, the equivalent overall resistance increases, lowering the total power consumed from a given voltage source.
• The SI unit of electrical power is the Watt (W).

• A higher resistance drastically restricts the current flow. According to $P = \frac{V^2}{R}$, this results in less power consumed.

• This simply draws power proportional to that singular resistance value, not "more" by comparison.

• A literal zero resistance creates a "short circuit", mathematically causing power to trend toward infinity and practically causing wire failure, but lower resistance is the standard conceptual answer in resistor comparisons.