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What is the peak power dissipated by the light bulb? In other words, when the light bulb is brightest, how much power is it dissipating?

User Shavareppa
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Final answer:

The peak power dissipated by a light bulb is the same as its rated power. So, a 100 W light bulb will dissipate a peak power of 100 W, and a 60 W AC light bulb will dissipate a peak power of 60 W when connected to an AC supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

The peak power dissipated by a light bulb occurs when the light bulb is at its brightest. The peak power dissipation corresponds to the light bulb's rated power consumption, assuming that it operates at a constant power output. The question mentions a 100 W light bulb, indicating that 100 watts is the maximum or peak power dissipation. When the question refers to a 60-W AC light bulb, it implies that 60 watts is the peak power for that particular bulb while it is connected to an alternating current (AC) supply.

The relation between voltage, current, and resistance is described by the formula P = V2/R, where P is the power, V is the voltage, and R is the resistance. Alternatively, power can also be calculated using the formula P = I2R, where I is the current.

As for the 100-W light bulb mentioned in the example which states that 10% of its energy output is in the visible range, peak power consumption would still be 100 W, but only 10 W would be in the form of visible light. The rest of the power is generally dissipated as heat.

User Buck
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