Simple Nature - Light and Matter

Exercise 9C: Reasoning About CircuitsThe questions in this exercise can all be solved using some combination of the following approaches:a) There is constant voltage throughout any conductor.b) Ohm’s law can be applied to any part of a circuit.c) Apply the loop rule.d) Apply the junction rule.In each case, discuss the question, decide what you think is the right answer, and then try theexperiment.1. A wire is added in parallel with one bulb.Which reasoning is correct?• Each bulb still has 1.2 V across it, so both bulbs are still lit up.• All parts of a wire are at the same voltage, and there is now a wire connection from oneside of the right-hand bulb to the other. The right-hand bulb has no voltage differenceacross it, so it goes out.2. The series circuit is changed as shown.Which reasoning is correct?• Each bulb now has its sides connected to the two terminals of the battery, so each now has2.4 V across it instead of 1.2 V. They get brighter.• Just as in the original circuit, the current goes through one bulb, then the other. It’s justthat now the current goes in a figure-8 pattern. The bulbs glow the same as before.554 Chapter 9 Circuits