Final answer:
In a three-wire Edison system, when a load is connected to one side, the neutral wire carries a current equal to the load current. The current flow in the neutral wire ensures electrical safety and the functionality of the system, consistent with Ohm's law which states that current is directly proportional to voltage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a load is connected to only one side of a three-wire Edison system, then the neutral wire carries a current equal to the load current. The neutral wire is grounded and provides a return path for the current, ensuring that any imbalance in the current from the live/hot wire is carried back, thus maintaining overall electrical safety and system functionality.
According to Ohm’s law, which states that the current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points, if you double the voltage across a fixed resistance, the current will double as well. Therefore, options that say the current will increase or decrease by half are incorrect because they do not conform to Ohm's law.
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