DC Circuit: Single vs. Two Bulbs Connected

AI Thread Summary
When one light bulb is connected to a battery, it receives full current, while two bulbs connected in series increase total resistance, resulting in less current flowing through the circuit. This reduced current leads to decreased power output, meaning the single bulb arrangement produces more light than the two bulbs in series. The confusion arises from the assumption that current remains constant in series circuits, but it actually decreases due to the increased resistance. Thus, the first circuit is brighter, confirming that the single bulb arrangement is more effective for light output. Overall, connecting bulbs in series reduces both current and brightness compared to a single bulb.
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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
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A)
I put (a) because V=IR_eq,
soI_1 = \frac {V}{R}
and I_2 = \frac {V}{2R}
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 P = I^2 R
I got P_1 = \frac {V^2}{R}
and P_2 = \frac {V^2}{2R}
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!
 
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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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