Which component is used to control current flow in a circuit by changing resistance?

The correct answer is a resistor. A resistor is a passive electrical component that is specifically designed to limit or control the flow of electric current in a circuit. It does this by providing a specific amount of resistance, which is measured in ohms (Ω). The relationship between resistance, voltage, and current can be described by Ohm's Law, which states that the 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).

In various applications, resistors can be used to adjust signal levels, divide voltages, and protect components by limiting current to safe levels. This capacity to manipulate current by altering resistance is fundamental in circuit design, allowing for precise control over how electrical energy is distributed within a system.

By contrast, transistors act as switches or amplifiers and can control current flow as well, but they operate on more complex principles by utilizing semiconductor materials rather than straightforward resistance. Diodes allow current to flow in one direction only and do not change resistance; they are not used for current control in the same manner as resistors. Capacitors store and release electrical energy but do not control current flow by changing resistance. Thus, the function