Engineering Combination circuit with Series & Parallel light bulbs

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the current flow and total resistance in a circuit with one 18-watt lamp and two 60-watt bulbs connected in parallel and series. The initial calculations suggest that the current through the lamp is 0.15A and through each bulb is 0.5A, leading to a total voltage of 240V, which raises doubts about the accuracy of the results. Participants clarify that the rated currents for the bulbs do not reflect the actual current in the circuit, which depends on the total resistance. The correct approach involves understanding that the rated resistance remains constant, while the actual current varies based on the circuit configuration. Accurate calculations are essential for determining the correct current and resistance values in such electrical setups.
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Homework Statement


One 18 watt lamp and two 60-watt light bulb are plugged into a 120V circuit. For either DC or AC, the two bulbs are connected each other in parallel and in series with the lamp in the same circuit. Calculate;
i. the current flow through each light
ii. the total resistance of the circuit,

The soultion provided is I1 = P /V = 18 /120 = 0.15A ,
I2 = P / V = 60/120 = 0.5A

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I have tried to sketch the diagram as attached .

R1= 120/ 0.15 = 800 ohm , R2 = 120/0.5 = 240 ohm
I doubt the ans is correct . When i check thru the working again , i found that the V total = 0.15(800) + 0.5(240) = 240V ...

So , i think it's wrong ...

Correct me if i am wrong
 

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Your sketch is wrong. See this one:
upload_2018-6-17_12-32-35.png
 

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Babadag said:
Your sketch is wrong. See this one:
View attachment 227053
R1= 120/ 0.15 = 800 ohm , R2 = 120/0.5 = 240 ohm
I doubt the ans is correct . When i check thru the working again , i found that the V total = 0.15(800) + 0.5(240) = 240V ...

So , i think it's wrong ...

Correct me if i am wrong
 
You confuse the rated current with the actual current. 0.15 A and 0.5 A are RATED bulb currents. The rated current helps you to calculate the resistance. The rated resistance REMAINS the same in any circuit but the actual current is different and it depends on the total circuit resistance.
 

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