Let's go through each circuit and answer the questions step by step, using basic principles of electricity.
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Circuit 1: Two cells and two bulbs in series with a toggle switch
Circuit Description:
- Two cells (batteries) are connected in series → increases voltage.
- Two bulbs are connected in series.
- A toggle switch controls the circuit.
Question: *What happens if you unscrew one bulb?*
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✔ Answer:
If you unscrew one bulb,
the entire circuit is broken, and
both bulbs will go out.
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Explanation:
In a
series circuit, the current has only one path to follow. When you unscrew one bulb, you break the circuit at that point — there is no complete loop for the current to flow. Since the current stops flowing entirely,
neither bulb will light up.
This is a key feature of series circuits:
if one component fails or is removed, the whole circuit stops working.
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Circuit 2: Two cells, one bulb, a 10 Ω resistor, and a switch
Circuit Description:
- Two cells in series → higher voltage.
- One bulb.
- A 10 Ω resistor.
- A switch.
All components are connected in
series.
Question: *What happens to the brightness of the bulb if you remove the resistor from the circuit? Try to explain what you see, using ideas about resistance, energy, and current.*
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✔ Answer:
The
bulb becomes brighter when you remove the resistor.
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Explanation:
Let’s use concepts of
resistance,
current, and
energy:
1.
Resistance in the circuit:
- The 10 Ω resistor adds
total resistance to the circuit.
- When you remove it, the total resistance
decreases.
2.
Current (from Ohm’s Law):
- Ohm’s Law: \( I = \frac{V}{R} \)
- Voltage (V) stays the same (from the two cells).
- Resistance (R) decreases → so
current (I) increases.
3.
Brightness of the bulb:
- Brightness depends on how much
power the bulb uses.
- Power: \( P = I^2 R_{\text{bulb}} \) → more current means more power →
brighter bulb.
4.
Energy transfer:
- With less resistance, more current flows → more electrical energy is transferred to the bulb per second → more light and heat produced →
increased brightness.
5.
Safety note:
- Removing the resistor can make the current too high, possibly
damaging the bulb or causing overheating.
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✔ Summary:
| Circuit | What Happens? | Why? |
|--------|----------------|------|
|
Circuit 1 | Both bulbs go out when one is unscrewed | Series circuit – breaking one part breaks the whole loop |
|
Circuit 2 | Bulb becomes brighter when resistor is removed | Lower resistance → higher current → more power → brighter bulb |
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Let me know if you'd like help drawing these circuits or building them practically!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of basic circuits worksheet.