A car has two headlights, and their power is derived from the car's battery. The filament in one burns out, but the other headlight stays on. Are the headlights connected in series or in parallel? a) parallel series
A car has two headlights, and their power is derived from the car's battery. The filament in one burns out, but the other headlight stays on. Are the headlights connected in series or in parallel? a) parallel series
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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![**Understanding Headlight Connections: Series vs. Parallel**
A car has two headlights, and their power is derived from the car’s battery. The filament in one burns out, but the other headlight stays on. Are the headlights connected in series or in parallel?
- a) Parallel
- b) Series
---
**Explanation**
When analyzing the setup for the car's headlights, consider the following details:
1. **Power Source and Connectivity**:
- The headlights are powered by the car's battery.
2. **Filament Burnout**:
- When the filament in one of the headlights burns out, the other headlight remains operational.
**Analysis**:
If one headlight burns out and the other one stays on, the headlights must be connected in a **parallel** circuit. In a parallel circuit, each headlight operates independently. If one bulb fails (filament burns out), the remaining bulb continues to receive power and remains lit.
### Differences in Circuit Configuration
**Parallel Circuit**:
- Each headlight is connected across the same voltage source.
- If one light fails, the circuit to the other light remains complete, allowing it to continue to function.
**Series Circuit**:
- Each headlight is connected one after the other in a single path.
- If one light fails, it breaks the circuit, causing all lights in the series to stop working.
This principle is crucial for automobile safety, ensuring that in the event of a failure of one headlight, the other continues to illuminate the road ahead.](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F6746fa6f-1856-443b-addc-ecae5d9da9b9%2F4636b997-d129-4317-a486-4a133c44c0b6%2F17bs03a_processed.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Headlight Connections: Series vs. Parallel**
A car has two headlights, and their power is derived from the car’s battery. The filament in one burns out, but the other headlight stays on. Are the headlights connected in series or in parallel?
- a) Parallel
- b) Series
---
**Explanation**
When analyzing the setup for the car's headlights, consider the following details:
1. **Power Source and Connectivity**:
- The headlights are powered by the car's battery.
2. **Filament Burnout**:
- When the filament in one of the headlights burns out, the other headlight remains operational.
**Analysis**:
If one headlight burns out and the other one stays on, the headlights must be connected in a **parallel** circuit. In a parallel circuit, each headlight operates independently. If one bulb fails (filament burns out), the remaining bulb continues to receive power and remains lit.
### Differences in Circuit Configuration
**Parallel Circuit**:
- Each headlight is connected across the same voltage source.
- If one light fails, the circuit to the other light remains complete, allowing it to continue to function.
**Series Circuit**:
- Each headlight is connected one after the other in a single path.
- If one light fails, it breaks the circuit, causing all lights in the series to stop working.
This principle is crucial for automobile safety, ensuring that in the event of a failure of one headlight, the other continues to illuminate the road ahead.
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