Rank in order, from brightest to dimmest, the identical bulbs A to D in the attached image.

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Rank in order, from brightest to dimmest, the identical bulbs A to D in the attached image.

### Understanding Parallel and Series Circuits: An Illustrated Example

In electrical engineering, understanding the differences between parallel and series circuits is crucial. The provided diagram is an excellent illustration of both concepts within a single circuit.

#### Diagram Explanation

The circuit is composed of the following components:
1. **Power Source (Battery)**: Denoted by the symbol with a positive (+) and negative (-) terminal, this is the source of voltage \( V \).
2. **Four Light Bulbs (A, B, C, and D)**: Represented by circles with filament symbols.

#### Circuit Layout

- **Series Component**:
  - **Bulb A**: This bulb is connected in series with the battery. Electricity from the battery flows directly through Bulb A before encountering any branching paths.

- **Parallel Components**:
  - **Bulbs B, C, and D**: These bulbs are arranged in a parallel configuration relative to each other.
    - **Bulb B**: After Bulb A, the circuit branches off. Bulb B is on the first parallel branch close to the battery.
    - **Bulbs C and D**: These are positioned on separate branches stemming from the same node after Bulb B’s path.

#### Key Points

1. **Current Distribution**:
   - In a series circuit, the same current flows through each component. Thus, the same current flows through Bulb A.
   - In a parallel circuit, the total current from the battery divides among the parallel branches. Consequently, the current flowing through Bulbs B, C, and D can vary depending on their individual resistances.

2. **Voltage Distribution**:
   - In a series circuit, the total voltage of the power source is divided among the series components. Hence, Bulb A gets a portion of the voltage.
   - In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each parallel branch is the same. Therefore, Bulbs B, C, and D each receive the full voltage from the battery.

Understanding this diagram helps in visualizing how electrical components are affected when arranged in series versus parallel. Such circuits are foundational in designing effective electrical systems for various applications.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Parallel and Series Circuits: An Illustrated Example In electrical engineering, understanding the differences between parallel and series circuits is crucial. The provided diagram is an excellent illustration of both concepts within a single circuit. #### Diagram Explanation The circuit is composed of the following components: 1. **Power Source (Battery)**: Denoted by the symbol with a positive (+) and negative (-) terminal, this is the source of voltage \( V \). 2. **Four Light Bulbs (A, B, C, and D)**: Represented by circles with filament symbols. #### Circuit Layout - **Series Component**: - **Bulb A**: This bulb is connected in series with the battery. Electricity from the battery flows directly through Bulb A before encountering any branching paths. - **Parallel Components**: - **Bulbs B, C, and D**: These bulbs are arranged in a parallel configuration relative to each other. - **Bulb B**: After Bulb A, the circuit branches off. Bulb B is on the first parallel branch close to the battery. - **Bulbs C and D**: These are positioned on separate branches stemming from the same node after Bulb B’s path. #### Key Points 1. **Current Distribution**: - In a series circuit, the same current flows through each component. Thus, the same current flows through Bulb A. - In a parallel circuit, the total current from the battery divides among the parallel branches. Consequently, the current flowing through Bulbs B, C, and D can vary depending on their individual resistances. 2. **Voltage Distribution**: - In a series circuit, the total voltage of the power source is divided among the series components. Hence, Bulb A gets a portion of the voltage. - In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each parallel branch is the same. Therefore, Bulbs B, C, and D each receive the full voltage from the battery. Understanding this diagram helps in visualizing how electrical components are affected when arranged in series versus parallel. Such circuits are foundational in designing effective electrical systems for various applications.
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