Final answer:
The bleeder resistor in a loaded voltage divider network is typically larger than the load resistor to allow for slow discharge of charge from a capacitor. This helps to prevent any residual charge and reduce the risk of a shock hazard when the apparatus is switched off.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a loaded voltage divider network, the bleeder resistor is typically larger than the resistance of the load resistor. This is because the bleeder resistor is meant to bleed off the charge from a capacitor, and a larger resistance value will allow the charge to discharge more slowly. By having a bleeder resistor that is much greater than the effective resistance of the rest of the circuit, you can ensure that the majority of the charge is discharged through the bleeder resistor. This helps to prevent any residual charge and reduce the risk of a shock hazard when the apparatus is switched off.