Two light bulbs of resistance R1 and R2 (R2 > R1) and a battery are all connected in series. (a) Which bulb is brighter? (b) What if they are connected in parallel?

Question

Physics

Brylee Braun

19 July, 04:45

Two light bulbs of resistance R1 and R2 (R2 > R1) and a battery are all connected in series. (a) Which bulb is brighter? (b) What if they are connected in parallel?

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Answers (1)

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Ethan Lopez · Answer 1

(a) higher resistance bulb in series

(b) The bulb which has lower resistance should bright more as there is more flow of current in it while connected in parallel.

Explanation:

If the light bulbs are in series, each will have the same current. The power dissipated by the bulb as heat and light is given by P=I^2*R. Thus the bulb with the higher resistance will be brighter.

if the bulbs are in parallel, each will have the same voltage. The power dissipated by the bulb as heat and light is given by P=V^2*/R. Thus the bulb with the lower resistance will be brighter.