Understanding Electrical Resistance in Parallel Circuit

What is the electrical resistance that the battery senses when two lamps are connected in parallel?

The electrical resistance that the battery senses when two lamps are connected in parallel is less than the resistance of either lamp.

Exploring Electrical Resistance in Parallel Circuit

Electrical resistance is a fundamental concept in the study of electricity. When components are connected in a circuit, the resistance they offer determines how much current will flow through the circuit. In the case of parallel circuits, the behavior of resistance is distinct from that of series circuits.

Parallel Circuit Characteristics

In a parallel circuit, components are connected in such a way that each has its own separate path to the power source, in this case, the battery. This allows for independent current flow through each component. When two lamps are connected in parallel, the current from the battery splits and flows through each lamp separately.

Calculating Total Resistance in Parallel Circuit

The total resistance in a parallel circuit is calculated using the formula: 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2. If we denote the resistance of each lamp as R1 and R2, the total resistance will be smaller than either R1 or R2. This means that the overall resistance in the circuit decreases when components are connected in parallel.

Example Calculation

Let's say the resistance of each lamp is 10 ohms. When connected in parallel, the total resistance would be less than 10 ohms. This results in the battery sensing a lower overall resistance in the circuit compared to the resistance of either lamp.

Conclusion

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the electrical resistance that the battery senses when two lamps are connected in parallel is less than the resistance of either lamp. Understanding the behavior of resistance in parallel circuits is crucial for proper circuit design and analysis.