An electric bulb of 500 W at 100v is used in a circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the resistance needed in series with a 500 W electric bulb when connected to a 200 V supply, while ensuring the bulb continues to operate at its rated power. Participants explore the implications of circuit configurations and voltage drops across components.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the resistance of the bulb using the formula R = V^2/P, arriving at 20 ohms for the bulb at 100 V.
  • Another participant questions whether the requirement is for the bulb to dissipate 500 W or for the 200 V source to supply 500 W.
  • Concerns are raised about the interpretation of the voltage drop across the bulb and the resistor in a series circuit.
  • Participants discuss the implications of using the wrong voltage value in calculations and the need to clarify the voltage drop across each component.
  • There is a suggestion that if the resistor were in parallel with the bulb, the calculations might yield different results.
  • One participant asserts that the resistance of the bulb remains constant regardless of circuit conditions, based on its rated power at 100 V.
  • Another participant proposes that for the bulb to dissipate 500 W with a 200 V supply, the voltage must be divided between the bulb and the resistor, leading to a discussion about the relationship between their resistance values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct interpretation of the circuit configuration and the calculations involved. There is no consensus on the correct approach or final answer, as multiple interpretations and calculations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential misunderstandings regarding voltage drops in series circuits and the assumptions made about the bulb's operation under different supply voltages. The discussion remains focused on the calculations and interpretations without resolving the discrepancies.

Shivang kohlii
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1
If the circuit has 200 V supply.
The resistance R that must be put in series with bulb so that it draws 500 w is?

2. relevant equations

P= v^2/r
I = v/r
3. My attempt at the solution

R= V^2/P r (bulb)= 10000/500 = 20 ohm
Now for 200 v supply ..
P= 500 W
V= 200V
Rnet = 20 + R

R+20= 80
R= 60 ohm
But that's not the answer.. why?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Do you require the bulb itself to dissipate 500W, or do you require the 200V source to supply 500W?
 
Shivang kohlii said:
If the circuit has 200 V supply.
The resistance R that must be put in series with bulb so that it draws 500 w is?
To be clear, does "it" refer to the resistor?
Shivang kohlii said:
2. relevant equations
P= v^2/r
I = v/r
3. My attempt at the solution

R= V^2/P r (bulb)= 10000/500 = 20 ohm
Where did the 10000 figure come from?
Are you trying to calculate the resistance of the bulb without the extra resistor? If so, you have used the wrong value for the voltage.

Also, in a series circuit, the voltages across the two loads add to the voltage supplied to the circuit, and the current I is the same throughout the circuit.
Shivang kohlii said:
Now for 200 v supply ..
P= 500 W
V= 200V
Rnet = 20 + R

R+20= 80
R= 60 ohm
But that's not the answer.. why?
 
Last edited:
NascentOxygen said:
Do you require the bulb itself to dissipate 500W, or do you require the 200V source to supply 500W?
Bulb I guess
 
Mark44 said:
To be clear, does "it" refer to the resistor?

Where did the 10000 figure come from?
Are you trying to calculate the resistance of the bulb without the extra resistor? If so, you have used the wrong value for the voltage.

Also, in a series circuit, the voltages across the two loads add to the voltage supplied to the circuit, and the current I is the same throughout the circuit.

1. Yeah it refers to bulb
2. 10000 is for V^2 where V = 100
3. So that means that what I have calculated is basically power across R + bulb instead of only bulb? Also if the resistance R was in parallel .. then my answer would have been correct??
 
Shivang kohlii said:
2. 10000 is for V^2 where V = 100
So again, where does 10000 come from? In the problem statement, you said that the circuit has a 200 V supply. Is the voltage drop across the bulb 100 V.?
Shivang kohlii said:
3. So that means that what I have calculated is basically power across R + bulb instead of only bulb? Also if the resistance R was in parallel .. then my answer would have been correct??
Let's focus on your problem as stated, in which the bulb and the resistor are in series.

In a series circuit the voltage drops across the components add up to the supplied voltage, and the current (I) is the same throughout the circuit. In a parallel circuit, the voltage is the same throughout, and the currents through each component add up to the total current supplied.
 
Last edited:
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Mark44 said:
So again, where does 10000 come from? In the problem statement, you said that the circuit has a 200 V supply. Is the voltage drop across the bulb 100 V.?
Acc to question ifthe bulb is connected to 100V supply power dissipated by it will be of 500 W
I have used that info to find resistance of the bulb which will remain constant irrespective of circuit conditions
Now if the bulb is connected to 200 V supply and the bulb still dissipates 500W that means that the potential is being divided and bulb is not getting the pd of 200v , because of the resistor
 
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Shivang kohlii said:
Acc to question ifthe bulb is connected to 100V supply power dissipated by it will be of 500 W
I have used that info to find resistance of the bulb which will remain constant irrespective of circuit conditions
Now if the bulb is connected to 200 V supply and the bulb still dissipates 500W that means that the potential is being divided and bulb is not getting the pd of 200v , because of the resistor

So the resistor has to drop half of the 200 V supply. If you want an equal split of the total potential difference across the resistor and the bulb, what must be the relationship between their resistance values?
 

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