Multiple choice Current through Bulb A

[Mdhiggenz]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

First I originally tried using kichhoff's rules, but didn't get far.

What is throwing me off is they are giving me the current of the battery instead of the voltage. Since I know circuits in parallels all have the same voltage, I don't really know what to do.

 

[lewando]

Are you familiar with a current divider? Which path do you think allows more current--through A or through B-C?

 

[Mdhiggenz]

the path through A allows for current, since the path through B-C gets split up into two small currents.

 

[lewando]

Both paths allow for current. Path A allows for more current because it has less resistance. Knowing this you can solve the multiple choice question by process of elimination.

Knowing what a current divider is and how to use is helpful: http://physics.eou.edu/courses/phys_223/sg2/node6.html

If you want to solve another way, find the equivalent resistance [edit-- oops no resistance specified. So assume 1Ω per bulb. You will get a resulting voltage], then find the voltage, then find the individual currents. All three of these paths lead to the same answer.