Circuit diagram questions -- 3 Light Bulbs in a 120V circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit diagram involving three light bulbs in a 120V circuit, with participants checking current values and addressing potential misunderstandings regarding electrical safety and unit conversions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are verifying current values for the bulbs and questioning the appropriateness of the units used (A vs. mA). There are discussions about the implications of high current values and safety concerns related to circuit breakers and fuses.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on interpreting the current values, suggesting a conversion from amperes to milliamperes. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these values in the context of the circuit.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific constraints regarding the use of milliamperes for the problem, and participants are clarifying which parts of the question their current values pertain to.

joshqg
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Homework Statement
In the circuit shown, all of the light bulbs are identical. a) If the ammeter, A1, reads 150 A when the switch S is open. What do A2,A3,A4,A5 read? b) If the switch is closed what do they read?
Relevant Equations
Kirchhoff law
I have A2 as 150, A4 as 150, A5 as 300 and A3 as 0. I just need these answers checked to make sure I’m right.
 

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joshqg said:
to make sure I’m right.
That's not what PF is for. Hire a lawyer. Better: convince yourself :smile: .

Anyway, there is a question a) and a b). Which do you answer ?
 
A bulb that draws 150 A will trip a circuit breaker or blow a fuse or start a fire. There is no breaker or fuse in the circuit shown so if you've tried this at home, consider hiring the lawyer that @BvU mentioned. :oldsmile:
 
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:smile: we change the playing field: where it says 150 A, read 150 mA, and proceed with the exercise.
Are the numbers quoted meant for part a) ?
 
BvU said:
:smile: we change the playing field: where it says 150 A, read 150 mA, and proceed with the exercise.
Are the numbers quoted meant for part a) ?
Ya we're allowed to use mA for this question, just didn't want any confusion.
 

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