What happens to the resistance of a light-dependent resistor (LDR) when light increases?

A light-dependent resistor (LDR) is a type of resistor whose resistance varies inversely with the amount of light it is exposed to. When light intensity increases, the LDR allows more current to pass through, which results in a decrease in its resistance. This property makes LDRs useful in applications such as light sensors and automatic lighting systems.

In contrast, resistance increasing would suggest that the device becomes less conductive with more light, which is not the behavior of an LDR. The resistance remaining constant would imply that light has no effect on the device, which also does not characterize an LDR. Fluctuating resistance could imply an inconsistent response to light, which is not typical for LDRs as they have a direct relationship with light intensity. Therefore, the decrease in resistance with increased light is the principle that defines how LDRs operate.