PhysicsLAB: RIVP Charts #2

All circuits below have the same lamp A, with resistance of 6 ohms, and the same 12-volt battery with negligible resistance. The unknown resistances of lamps B through L are such that the current in lamp A remains 1 ampere.

Circuit #1

In the circuit shown below, how much current flows through the battery?

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

A

B

Circuit #2

Lamp B is now replaced with two identical bulbs, C and D, as shown below.

The current through lamp C is ___ A.

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

A

C

D

Circuit #3

Here identical lamps E and F replace lamp D.

The current through lamp D is ___ A.

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

A

C

E

F

Circuit #4

Here lamps G and H replace lamps E and F, and the resistance of lamp G is twice that of lamp H.

The current through lamp H is ___ A.

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

A

C

G

H

Circuit #5

Here identical lamps K and L replace lamp H.

The current through lamp L is ___ A.

R (ohms)

I (amps)

V (volts)

P (watts)

A

C

G

K

L

Summary

The equivalent resistance of a circuit is the value of a single resistor that will replace all the resistors of the circuit to produce the same load on the battery. Complete the following table that summarizes the equivalent resistances of each of the circuits 1-5 you have analyzed above.

Circuit #1

Circuit #2

Circuit #3

Circuit #4

Circuit #5

Equivalent Resistances