With the switch in the circuit of Figure open, there is no current in R2. There is current in R1, however, and it is measured with the ammeter at the right side of the circuit. If the switch is closed, there is current in R2. What happens to the reading on the ammeter wher the switch is closed? (a) The reading increases. (b) The reading decreases. (c) The reading does not change. Ra R1 A

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### Understanding Circuit Behavior with Switches and Resistors

#### Concept Explanation
In the provided circuit diagram, we explore the behavior of electrical current in a series circuit with a switch and two resistors, \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \). 

When the switch in the diagram is open, there is no current flowing through \( R_2 \). However, current flows through \( R_1 \), and this current is measured by the ammeter located on the right side of the circuit.

#### Key Questions
The focus question here is: "What happens to the reading on the ammeter when the switch is closed?"

- **(a) The reading increases.**
- **(b) The reading decreases.**
- **(c) The reading does not change.**

#### Diagram Explanation
The accompanying diagram illustrates the described circuit:

1. **Resistors**:
   - \( R_1 \): Positioned in the main line of the circuit.
   - \( R_2 \): Positioned parallel to the switch. When the switch is open, \( R_2 \) has no current flowing through it.

2. **Switch**: 
   - When open, it prevents current from passing through \( R_2 \).
   - When closed, it allows current to flow through \( R_2 \), changing the configuration of the circuit’s current flow.

3. **Ammeter**:
   - Placed to the right side of the circuit, alongside \( R_1 \). This device measures the current flow through \( R_1 \).

4. **Battery**:
   - Provides the electromotive force (voltage) driving the current through the circuit.

#### Expected Outcome
When the switch is closed, both \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \) will be in parallel, sharing the current based on their resistances. The current divides between the two resistors which is readjusted by the ammeter.

To determine the change in the ammeter reading:
- **If the resistances were equal**: You might expect the current through each resistor to be half of the total driving current when the switch is closed, leading to an equal or increased reading on the ammeter depending on exact resistances.
- **Highest influence**: The behavior is contingent on the relative resistances of \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \).

### Conclusion
Understanding these principles is crucial for analyzing
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Circuit Behavior with Switches and Resistors #### Concept Explanation In the provided circuit diagram, we explore the behavior of electrical current in a series circuit with a switch and two resistors, \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \). When the switch in the diagram is open, there is no current flowing through \( R_2 \). However, current flows through \( R_1 \), and this current is measured by the ammeter located on the right side of the circuit. #### Key Questions The focus question here is: "What happens to the reading on the ammeter when the switch is closed?" - **(a) The reading increases.** - **(b) The reading decreases.** - **(c) The reading does not change.** #### Diagram Explanation The accompanying diagram illustrates the described circuit: 1. **Resistors**: - \( R_1 \): Positioned in the main line of the circuit. - \( R_2 \): Positioned parallel to the switch. When the switch is open, \( R_2 \) has no current flowing through it. 2. **Switch**: - When open, it prevents current from passing through \( R_2 \). - When closed, it allows current to flow through \( R_2 \), changing the configuration of the circuit’s current flow. 3. **Ammeter**: - Placed to the right side of the circuit, alongside \( R_1 \). This device measures the current flow through \( R_1 \). 4. **Battery**: - Provides the electromotive force (voltage) driving the current through the circuit. #### Expected Outcome When the switch is closed, both \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \) will be in parallel, sharing the current based on their resistances. The current divides between the two resistors which is readjusted by the ammeter. To determine the change in the ammeter reading: - **If the resistances were equal**: You might expect the current through each resistor to be half of the total driving current when the switch is closed, leading to an equal or increased reading on the ammeter depending on exact resistances. - **Highest influence**: The behavior is contingent on the relative resistances of \( R_1 \) and \( R_2 \). ### Conclusion Understanding these principles is crucial for analyzing
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