Question

Vinita and ahmed demonstrated a circuit that operates the two headlights and the two sidelights of a car, in their school exhibition. based on their demonstrated circuit, answer the following questions.

(i) state what happens when switch a is connected to a) position 2 b) position 3
(ii) find the potential difference across each lamp when lit.
(iii) calculate the current

a) in each 12 ω lamp when lit.
b) in each 4 ω lamp when lit. or

(iv) show, with calculations, which type of lamp, 4.0 ω or 12 ω, has the higher power

Answer 1

(i)a) In position 2, both headlights and sidelights are on.

b) In position 3, only the two sidelights are on.

(ii) The potential difference across each lit lamp is the same, as they are in parallel.

(iii)a) The current in each 12 Ω lamp when lit is approximately 0.25 A.

b) The current in each 4 Ω lamp when lit is approximately 0.75 A.

(iv) The 4.0 Ω lamp has the higher power due to P = I²R, where I is the current and R is the resistance.

In the demonstrated circuit by Vinita and Ahmed for car lighting, when switch A is connected to position 2, both the headlights and sidelights are turned on, providing full illumination for the car. In position 3, only the two sidelights are activated, offering a less intense lighting option suitable for certain situations, such as parking.

Regarding the potential difference across each lit lamp, since the lamps are arranged in parallel, they share the same voltage. This means that the potential difference across each lamp remains constant, ensuring uniform brightness.

Considering the power of the lamps, the 4.0 Ω lamp has the higher power. This determination is based on the power formula (P = I²R), where power is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance. The lower resistance of the 4.0 Ω lamp results in higher power consumption compared to the 12 Ω lamp when subjected to the same current. Therefore, the 4.0 Ω lamp exhibits higher power dissipation in the circuit.