DC Circuit: Single vs. Two Bulbs Connected

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SUMMARY

When connecting two light bulbs in series to a battery, the total resistance increases, resulting in reduced current output from the battery. According to Ohm's Law (V=IR), the current for the two bulbs is half that of a single bulb configuration. Consequently, the single bulb arrangement produces more light due to higher power output, as calculated using the formula P = I²R. Therefore, the single bulb configuration is definitively brighter than the series arrangement of two bulbs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ohm's Law (V=IR)
  • Basic knowledge of electrical power calculations (P = I²R)
  • Familiarity with series and parallel circuit configurations
  • Concept of resistance in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of resistance in series vs. parallel circuits
  • Learn about power distribution in electrical circuits
  • Explore practical applications of Ohm's Law in circuit design
  • Investigate the impact of bulb wattage on brightness in different configurations
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding basic electrical circuits and their behavior under different configurations.

leoflc
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First one light bulb is connected to a battery. Then two are connected in series to
the same battery.
Here's the picture:
http://home.comcast.net/~chou55/bulb.gif

A) When two are connected, the battery puts out
a) less current
b) more current
c) less voltage
d) the same current

B) Which arrangement puts out the most light?
a) The single bulb
b) The two bulbs
c) Both arrangements put out the same total amount of light
----------------------------------------------------------------
A)
I put (a) because [itex]V=IR_eq[/itex],
so[itex]I_1 = \frac {V}{R}[/itex]
and [itex]I_2 = \frac {V}{2R}[/itex]
Therefore, the second circuit has less current.
However, I heard because it's a serial circuit, so current should not change.
But I don't know how to prove that..

B)
I got (a)
because
From [itex]P = I^2 R[/itex]
I got [itex]P_1 = \frac {V^2}{R}[/itex]
and [itex]P_2 = \frac {V^2}{2R}[/itex]
so the first circuit it brighter.
But if the current is the same for both circuit, wouldn't the total light for the second circuit = the first circuit?
----------------------------------------------------------
I'm kind of confused now... :confused:
Could anyone help me out?
Thank you very much!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You are correct in both cases.

When you put two bulbs in series, you are doubling the total resistance as compared to a single bulb. This cuts the current in half (as Ohm's law indicates), and thus cuts the power in half also.

- Warren
 
I see..
Thanks!
 

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