Which factor directly influences the current flowing in a conductor?

The factor that directly influences the current flowing in a conductor is the voltage applied. According to Ohm's Law, which states that current (I) is equal to the voltage (V) divided by resistance (R), it is clear that when a voltage is applied across a conductor, it generates an electric current provided there is a complete circuit.

When voltage increases, the driving force for the electrons in the conductor also increases, which generally leads to an increase in current flow, assuming resistance remains constant. Thus, the amount of voltage directly impacts the amount of current that can flow through a conductor.

Other factors like resistance, temperature, and the length of the conductor can affect how much current will flow, but they do not directly determine the current itself. For instance, while higher resistance will limit the flow of current, it is the voltage that initiates and drives the current through the conductor in the first place. Therefore, understanding the role of voltage is essential in determining how much current can be expected in an electrical system.