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)...
icon
Related questions
Question
**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.
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.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Circuits
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON