Final answer:
In physics, resistance is a measure of how much a material or device opposes the flow of electric current. The resistance of a resistive material in an arrester can either remain constant or vary depending on whether the material exhibits ohmic or non-ohmic behavior. If the resistive material conducts less current as the applied voltage increases, it suggests a non-linear or non-ohmic behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the resistive material in an arrester and its behavior with an increasing applied voltage. In physics, resistance is a measure of how much a material or device opposes the flow of electric current. It is quantified by the resistivity of the material and is related to the voltage and current through Ohm's law, which states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage applied across it and inversely proportional to its resistance.
When the applied voltage increases, the resistance of the resistive material in an arrester remains constant if the material is ohmic. However, if the material is non-ohmic, its resistance may vary with the applied voltage. In general, if the resistive material conducts less current as the applied voltage increases, it means that the material exhibits a non-linear or non-ohmic behavior. This behavior can occur due to factors like heating or changes in the material's electrical properties at higher voltages.
For example: Let's say the arrester has a non-ohmic material with increasing resistance. As the applied voltage increases, the current flowing through the arrester decreases. This behavior helps to limit and dissipate excessive amounts of current during transient electrical events, protecting the electrical system from damage.