What could happen if high resistance is present in a circuit?

The presence of high resistance in a circuit has a significant impact on how the circuit functions. When high resistance occurs, it can lead to a voltage drop across that resistance. This means that less voltage is available for the components downstream in the circuit. As a result, these components may not receive the necessary voltage to operate correctly, potentially leading to malfunctions.

For example, in a power circuit, if a connection has high resistance, devices may not receive sufficient power, causing them to underperform, fail to start, or operate erratically. Thus, high resistance can directly affect the reliability and functionality of electronic devices within the circuit.

While it is true that increased resistance can lead to less current flowing through the circuit, which might suggest lower energy consumption in some contexts, this doesn't address the key issue of proper operation. Additionally, the potential for excessive heat generation due to high resistance is more associated with a malfunctioning circuit rather than a normal operating condition. Therefore, the correct choice centers on the fact that high resistance can directly cause voltage drops, leading to malfunctions in the circuit.