Simple Circuit diagram Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit diagram featuring identical lamps connected in series and parallel configurations, specifically focusing on the impact of adding a third lamp in parallel with one of the lamps on the brightness of another lamp in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between total resistance and current in the circuit, questioning how the addition of a parallel lamp affects the current through the series lamp.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in reasoning about the effects of circuit changes on current and brightness. Some guidance has been offered regarding the analogy of lamps as resistors, and there is a recognition of the relationship between resistance and current.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effects of the circuit changes, indicating a need for clarification on the principles of current flow and resistance in series and parallel circuits.

skykiller95
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The diagram shows identical lamps X and Y connected in series with a battery. The lamps light with normal brightness. A third lamp Z is connected in parallel with lamp X.

What happens to the brightness of lamp Y?
A) Brighter than normal
B) Normal
C) Dimmer than normal
D) Very dim (cannot be seen)


I'm completely clueless about it and slightly confused. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Think of it in terms of resistors - is there a difference in total resistance between the first situation and the second?
 
What do you think happens? Hint: See if you can figure out how the current passing through lamp Y changes (if it does).
 
Hmms, I would have to say, yes?
 
Doc Al said:
What do you think happens? Hint: See if you can figure out how the current passing through lamp Y changes (if it does).

Hmm, wouldn't the additional lamp added in parallel alter the current in the entire circuit?
 
skykiller95 said:
Hmm, wouldn't the additional lamp added in parallel alter the current in the entire circuit?
Yes, so what happens to the current going through lamp Y? Increase, decrease, or remain the same?
 
Doc Al said:
Yes, so what happens to the current going through lamp Y? Increase, decrease, or remain the same?

I'm not so sure, but I would say increase.
 
skykiller95 said:
I'm not so sure, but I would say increase.
Guessing doesn't count.

Take daveb's hint: The lamps are like resistors. What happens to the total resistance and thus to the current?
 
Doc Al said:
Guessing doesn't count.

Take daveb's hint: The lamps are like resistors. What happens to the total resistance and thus to the current?

Total resistance decreases, current increases.
 
  • #10
skykiller95 said:
Total resistance decreases, current increases.
Good!
 
  • #11
Doc Al said:
Good!

Oh so the bulb is brighter?
Thanks for helping guys!
 
  • #12
skykiller95 said:
Oh so the bulb is brighter?
Right.

Adding that resistor in parallel with X drops the total resistance, which increases the current flowing through Y. More current means a brighter bulb.
 

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Okay, now I understand it. Thank you!You're welcome.
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