A load connected to a corroded ground is like another load connected in series. Part of the voltage will drop across the corroded ground. Which statement is true about this condition?

• A. Part of the voltage will drop across the corroded ground.
• B. The load receives full supply voltage
• C. The corroded ground improves efficiency
• D. There is no effect on voltage drop

Answer: (A)

When a load is connected through a path that has resistance, such as a corroded ground, that resistance sits in series with the load. The current from the supply must flow through both the load and the ground path, so part of the supply voltage is dropped across the ground path according to Ohm’s law (V = I × R). If the ground becomes more resistive due to corrosion, more voltage is dropped there and less voltage remains for the load. This means the load does not receive the full supply voltage and can perform poorly or behave unpredictably. The corroded ground does not improve efficiency; it adds resistance and waste heat. There is indeed an effect on voltage drop, since any added series resistance creates a voltage divider with the load.