Chapter 35, Problem 33A

Consider a pair of flashlight bulbs connected to a battery. Emily asks if they glow brighter when connected in series, or in parallel. She looks to you for an answer. What is your answer?

To determine

Whether the bulbs should connect with battery in series or parallel connection for a brighter glow.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The glow of the bulb depends on the easier flow of current or more current through the bulb. The flow of current becomes easy if the resistance in the path of the electron becomes less.

The resistance of the bulb becomes more if is connected in a series with a battery. So, less current can pass through the bulb. The current through the bulb becomes less in a series connection. So, the bulb does not glow brighter.

The resistance of the bulb becomes less for parallel connection with the battery. Thus, more current can easily pass through the bulb. Due to the parallel connection between bulb and battery, the resistance decreases and more current flows which make the bulbs glow brighter.

Conclusion:

The pair of bulbs should be connected in parallel with the battery to glow the bulb brighter.