Question

State whether the currents and potential difference in all the bulbs will be same or different when in a circuit three bulbs of:

1. same wattage are connected in series.
2. same wattage are connected in parallel.
3. different wattage are connected in series.
4. different wattage are connected in parallel.

Answer 1

1. Same Wattage Connected in Series:
   • Current: Same in all bulbs because the same current flows through all components in a series circuit.
   • Potential Difference: Each bulb's potential accumulates over time, resulting in unique potential differences.
   • Conclusion: Current remains constant; potential difference differs.
2. Same Wattage Connected in Parallel:
   • Current: Different in each bulb since the total current divides among the branches, but the same wattage bulbs will have the same resistance, leading to the same current in each.
   • Potential Difference: The potential difference among bulbs remains steady.
   • Conclusion: Currents differ; the potential difference is uniform.
3. Different Wattage Connected in Series:
   • Current: The same current flows through all bulbs in series.
   • Potential Difference: The potential difference between each bulb accumulates, resulting in different potentials.
   • Conclusion: Current remains consistent; potential difference varies.
4. Different Wattage Connected in Parallel:
   1. Current: Different currents flow through bulbs in parallel.
   2. Potential Difference: The potential difference among bulbs remains steady.
   3. Conclusion: Currents differ; the potential difference is uniform.