What does a higher circuit resistance typically lead to in a cathodic protection system?

In a cathodic protection system, higher circuit resistance generally results in decreased current output. This relationship is governed by Ohm's law, which states that current (I) is equal to the voltage (V) divided by resistance (R); that is, (I = \frac{V}{R}). If the resistance in the circuit increases while the voltage remains constant, the resultant current flow will decrease.

This is particularly important in cathodic protection systems because the effectiveness of these systems depends on the ability to provide enough protective current to the structure being protected. A lower current output may not be sufficient to mitigate the corrosion process effectively, potentially leading to inadequate protection of the structure. Therefore, understanding the role of circuit resistance is critical in designing and maintaining efficient cathodic protection systems.