Solving Electrical Circuit Puzzle: Voltmeter & Transistor

[rebecca12345]

Homework Statement

http://web.stagram.com/p/362176186041336029_243276631
this is a link to the question. I'm stuck on 2a and b

Homework Equations

I don't understand if the voltmeter is reading 6v why the light is not receiving 6v? And why would a transistor help this problem?

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[rude man]

a) What properties (there are two candidates here) of a real amplifier cause the output to diminish when loaded?
b) Of the three basic transistor configurations, to wit, common emitter, emitter follower and common-base, which one do you think is appropriate here, and why?

 

[rebecca12345]

a) if it is an inverting amplifier and operational amplifier?
b) I have never heard of any of them, I'm 16 and doing higher physics in Scotland, we've only ever spoke about transistors and not any types or anything like that

 

[rude man]

a) has nothing to do with inverting vs. noninverting. Is characteristic of any type of amplifier - op amp, stereo amp, etc.
b) Not transistor types - transistor circuit configurations. You need to look up and study the basic properties of those three configurations and think about which would be suitable in your case.

 

[rude man]

1. I don't understand if the voltmeter is reading 6v why the light is not receiving 6v? And why would a transistor help this problem?

When the switch is thrown the voltmeter no longer reads 6V.
Transistors can amplify current and/or voltage depending on circuit configuration.