Therefore the voltage needs to drop by 42V for the light bulb to be 40 watts.

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SUMMARY

The voltage needs to drop by 42V for a 60-watt light bulb operating at 230 volts to function at 40 watts. The calculations involve using the formulas P=IV and P=I^2R to determine resistance and voltage. The resistance of the bulb remains constant at 882 ohms, derived from the equation R=(V^2)/P using the original wattage. The final voltage required for 40 watts is 188V, confirming the voltage drop of 42V from the initial 230V.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical power formulas: P=IV, P=I^2R
  • Basic knowledge of Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with calculating resistance from power and voltage
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between power, voltage, and current in electrical circuits
  • Learn about the implications of resistance in varying electrical loads
  • Explore advanced electrical engineering concepts such as circuit analysis
  • Investigate practical applications of Ohm's Law in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, hobbyists working with circuits, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of power consumption in electrical devices.

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Homework Statement


The light bulb is 60 watts at 230 volts, how much does the voltage need to drop for the lightbulb to be 40 watts'?

Homework Equations



V=IA, P=IV, P=IR^2, V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried 60w/230v=0,26A... 40w=0,26A*XV<->x=154V so voltage drop is 230-154=76.. I know the current drops with the voltage but this is all I can think of.nevermind, I found out... 40w=v^2/885ohms->> v^2=35400(ACCIDENTALLY DEVIDED) so V=188.
 
Last edited:
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The key to understanding this problem is to realize that the resistance is the same for both situations. After all its the same bulb.

Using the relevant equations...

P=I*V
and
V=I*R
You can write..
P=(V^2)/R
Then rearrange to give...
R=(V^2)/P

Then plug in the numbers giving...
R=(230^2)/60=882Ohms

Then using...
P=(V^2)/R
Rearrange to give..
V=SQRT(R*P)

Substitute the new numbers...
V=SQRT(882*40)
=188V

However the question asks how much does the voltage need to drop and that is...

230-188=42V
 

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