Is Bulb A Brighter in a Parallel Circuit Due to Potential Difference?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a parallel circuit involving two identical bulbs and ideal batteries. The original poster is seeking clarification on the brightness of the bulbs and the factors influencing it, particularly focusing on potential difference and current flow.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the relationship between potential difference and brightness in the context of a parallel circuit. They question whether the lack of a resistor in bulb A affects its brightness compared to bulb B. Other participants inquire about potential differences and suggest applying Ohm's law to analyze current flow.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different interpretations of the circuit behavior. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law and the identification of potential differences, but no consensus has been reached on the specific outcomes related to bulb brightness.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the batteries and bulbs are identical, and there is a mention of a figure illustrating the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their assumptions and reasoning.

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Homework Statement
When the switch is closed, is the brightness of bulb A greater than, less than, or equal to the brightness of bulb B? Why?

When the switch is closed, is the current through battery X greater than, less than, or equal to the current through battery Y? Why?
Relevant Equations
I do not know the equations.
As demonstrated by the figure, bulb A and bulb are in a parallel circuit whose batteries are ideal and identical. I am asking for assistance to see where I am going wrong in my approach and how to better understand and figure out the question!

1. If the switch was closed, the brightness of bulb A would be less than the brightness of bulb B due to the potential difference as a result of the pathway. However, I do not know if this is correct or if there was another reason. I was thinking that because A does not have a resistor that it would have potential flowing more freely.

2. I am not sure about this question, but I am assuming that it bulb A is less bright than bulb b, that would mean that battery X is generating a greater than battery Y. THIS IS THE FIGURE FOR THE PROBLEM. (The lightbulbs are identical, and the batteries are ideal and identical.)

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The bulb with the highest potential difference will be the brightest. Can you identify the potential differences between each component?

Once you found the potential differences, what does Ohm's law say about the current going through the resistances?
 
Resistances ? Don't see no resistances ... :smile:
 
Not needed. Identical batteries, identical bulbs. Throw switch.
 
Have you been taught Kirchhoff's Voltage Law? If so what does it say?
 

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