Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 23 - Think and Explain - Page 449-450: 103

Answer

All are the same if 2 identical resistors are wired in series. The current is always the same for resistors in series, no matter what. However, if the resistors aren't identical, the one with greater resistance has more voltage across it, and more power dissipated in it.

Work Step by Step

For two or more devices connected in series, the current through each device is the same. This is Rule 1 for series circuits, on page 443, and discussed on pages 442-443. This is also illustrated in Figure 23.17. For two or more devices connected in series, the supply voltage equals the sum of the voltage drops across the devices. This is Rule 4 for series circuits, on page 443, and discussed on pages 442-443. The voltage drop (i.e., voltage difference) across each resistance is V = IR, and the currents are the same, so the voltage drop is larger for the larger R, as claimed. The power is P = (current)(voltage), so more power is dissipated in the larger resistance.
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