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Humberto builds two circuits using identical components.

Circuit 1: A series circuit with three lightbulbs
Circuit 2: A parallel circuit with three lightbulbs

He then adds two more lightbulbs in a series with the bulbs in circuit 1 and two more lightbulbs on new branches in parallel with each bulb in circuit 2.

What can he expect to see?

All bulbs in circuit 1 will shine at the same brightness as the original bulbs, while all bulbs in circuit 2 will be dimmer than the original bulbs.
All bulbs in circuit 1 will shine more dimly than the original bulbs, while all bulbs in circuit 2 will have the same brightness as the original bulbs.
The original bulbs will remain at their original brightness, but the bulbs added to circuit 1 will be dimmer than the bulbs added to circuit 2.
The original bulbs will remain at their original brightness, but the bulbs added to circuit 1 will be brighter than the bulbs added to circuit 2.

1 answer

To analyze Humberto's circuits, let's first understand the effects of adding lightbulbs in both series and parallel configurations.

Circuit Analysis:

  1. Circuit 1 (Original Series Circuit with 3 Bulbs):

    • In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the resistances, which means the current is shared among all lightbulbs.
    • When Humberto adds 2 more lightbulbs in series, the total resistance increases, which results in a decrease in current through all the bulbs.
    • Therefore, all bulbs in Circuit 1 will shine more dimly than the original bulbs after adding the two additional bulbs.

  2. Circuit 2 (Original Parallel Circuit with 3 Bulbs):

    • In a parallel circuit, each bulb receives the full voltage of the power source, meaning they can shine at their full brightness regardless of how many bulbs are in parallel.
    • When Humberto adds 2 more lightbulbs in parallel with each existing bulb, each new pair of bulbs (original and new) will still experience the full voltage from the power source.
    • However, since adding bulbs in parallel can affect the total current drawn from the power source, this may cause a slightly dimmer effect if the power source can't efficiently supply the increased total current demand. But generally, in a well-designed circuit, the original bulbs should maintain their brightness.

Summary:

  • Circuit 1: Will have reduced brightness for all bulbs.
  • Circuit 2: The original bulbs should remain bright, but the total current into the circuit may be higher, potentially leading to slight dips if the power supply can't handle it, but they'll likely remain close to their original brightness.

Given these points, the closest evaluation to the options is:

  • All bulbs in circuit 1 will shine more dimly than the original bulbs, while all bulbs in circuit 2 will have the same brightness as the original bulbs.

Thus, the answer is: All bulbs in circuit 1 will shine more dimly than the original bulbs, while all bulbs in circuit 2 will have the same brightness as the original bulbs.