Why Is the Calculated Power for the Lightbulbs Incorrect?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the total power delivered to three 70 W, 120 V lightbulbs connected to a 120 V power source. The user initially calculates the equivalent resistance incorrectly, leading to an erroneous power calculation of 31.1 watts. Correct calculations require determining the resistance of each bulb using R = V^2/P, and then finding the equivalent resistance for the parallel configuration of the bulbs. The potential differences across the bulbs were found to be 80 V and 40.12 V, but the power calculation needs to be revisited with the correct equivalent resistance. Accurate calculations are essential for determining the correct power output in such electrical configurations.
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Homework Statement



Three 70.0 W, 120 V lightbulbs are connected across a V = 120 V power
source, as shown in Figure P18.48. (Assume that the resistance of each bulb is constant even though, in reality, the resistance increases markedly with current.)

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...er/physics.gif
Figure P18.48
(a) Find the total power delivered to the three bulbs.
wrong check mark
Your answer differs from the correct answer by 10% to 100%. W
(b) Find the potential difference across each light bulb.
VR1 = correct check mark V
VR2 = correct check mark V
VR3 = correct check mark

Homework Equations


p=v^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution


I found the potential differences they were 80 and 40.12, 40.12 respectively. However I cannot find the power

I have Req as being 462.9 so then i use power = 120^2/462.9 and i get 31.1 watts?!?
I have no idea why this isn't working please give me a clue
 
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Your Req is wrong. For a single bulb we get p = V^2/R, so R = V^2/70. Then compute Req. R_2 and R_3 are parellel, so replace them with their equivalent resitance etc.
 
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