# Power and resistance

1. Mar 21, 2016

### erisedk

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Incandescent bulbs are designed by keeping in mind that the resistance of their filament increases with an increase in temperature. If at room temperature, 100 W, 60 W and 40 W bulbs have filament resistances R100, R60 and R40, respectively, the relation between these resistances is:

(A) $\dfrac{1}{R_{100}} = \dfrac{1}{R_{40}} + \dfrac{1}{R_{60}}$

(B) $R_{100} = R_{40} + R_{60}$

(C) $R_{100} > R_{60} > R_{40}$

(D) $\dfrac{1}{R_{100}} > \dfrac{1}{R_{60}} > \dfrac{1}{R_{40}}$

2. Relevant equations
P = $I^2R$
P = $\frac{V^2}{R}$

3. The attempt at a solution
I am extremely confused on this one. I think if we connected them all in series, which would mean that the current flowing through all three bulbs is the same, the resistance of each of them would increase, so power would increase but then this would decrease the current, so the power would still be the same etc. Then I tried similar things with fixed voltages, but I keep going around in circles, so if anyone could give me a starting point?
Thank you.

2. Mar 21, 2016

### CWatters

Forget connecting them in series. Just think about each bulb connected to the same voltage V on it's own.

What is the equation that relates the power P, resistance R and voltage V ?

3. Mar 21, 2016

### CWatters

Actually I see you quoted the relevant equation

P = V2/R

Rearrange that to give three equations for R100, R60 and R40.

4. Mar 21, 2016

### erisedk

That would give option A

5. Mar 21, 2016

### erisedk

I did that but don't you think the first line of the problem should be used somehow?

6. Mar 21, 2016

### erisedk

The one about resistance is dependent on temperature?

7. Mar 21, 2016

### CWatters

Answer A is a trap :-)

Have a think about the other three. Two are easy to disprove.

8. Mar 21, 2016

### erisedk

Yeah, (B) and (C) are pretty obviously wrong. (D) is surely right, and it is indeed the answer. But why is A wrong?

9. Mar 21, 2016

### CWatters

A is only correct if you ignore that bit about the resistance increasing with temperature. A bulb that burns 100W will be hotter than a 60 or 40W.

It looks like the examiner put an almost correct answer first on the list to trap people that don't bother to check if other answers are even more correct. It's no coincidence the right answer is at the bottom of the list :-)

10. Mar 21, 2016

Thanks! :)