Textbook Question
Draw a circuit diagram for the circuit of FIGURE EX28.1.
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27. Resistors & DC Circuits
Resistors and Ohm's Law
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A wire runs from the positive plate of a capacitor, into lightbulb 1, then out from lightbulb 1 directly into lightbulb 2. When lightbulb 2 is connected to the negative plate of the capacitor, what is true about the charge moving through the two lightbulbs?
A
More charge flows through lightbulb 1 than through lightbulb 2.
B
Less charge flows through lightbulb 1 than through lightbulb 2.
C
This depends on how charged the capacitor is.
D
This depends on the type of lightbulb.
E
The same amount of charge moves through lightbulb 1 and lightbulb 2.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the circuit configuration: The wire connects the positive plate of the capacitor to lightbulb 1, then to lightbulb 2, and finally to the negative plate of the capacitor. This forms a series circuit.
Recall the properties of a series circuit: In a series circuit, the same current flows through all components because there is only one path for the charge to take.
Relate current to charge: Current (I) is the rate of flow of charge (Q) over time (t), expressed as I = Q/t. Since the current is the same through both lightbulbs in a series circuit, the charge passing through each lightbulb over the same time period must also be the same.
Consider the role of the capacitor: The capacitor initially stores charge, and when the circuit is closed, it discharges, causing charge to flow through the circuit. The total charge that flows through the circuit is determined by the initial charge on the capacitor, not by the individual components like the lightbulbs.
Conclude based on the analysis: Since the same current flows through both lightbulbs in a series circuit, the same amount of charge must move through lightbulb 1 and lightbulb 2, regardless of the type of lightbulb or the charge level of the capacitor.
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