Final answer:
The resistance of a light-dependent resistor (LDR) decreases with increasing light intensity because more light results in more charge carriers being released in the semiconductor, which enhances conductivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The resistance on a light-dependent resistor (LDR) decreases as light intensity increases due to the properties of its semiconductor material. An LDR is made of a high-resistance semiconductor. When light photons hit the semiconductor, sufficient energy is absorbed to release additional charge carriers - this results in more electrons becoming available to conduct electricity. Therefore, as light intensity increases, more electrons participate in the conduction process, and the resistance of the LDR decreases.
Typically, in other materials, resistance increases with temperature because lattice vibrations interfere with the flow of electrons, causing increased resistance. However, in the case of LDRs, the photoconductive effect dominates. Hence, light intensity directly influences the resistance by changing the number of charge carriers rather than by causing temperature changes.