Solved: CE Predict/Explain(a) When the switch is closed in | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics with MasteringPhysics

Chapter 21 Problem 97GP

Question

(a) When the switch is closed in the circuit shown in Figure 21–46, does the total power dissipated in the circuit increase, decrease, or stay the same?

(b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

I. Closing the switch adds one more resistor to the circuit. This makes it harder for the battery to supply current, which decreases the power dissipated.

II. The equivalent resistance of the circuit is reduced by closing the switch, but the voltage remains the same. Therefore, from \(P=V^{2} / R\) we see that the power dissipated increases.

III. The power dissipated remains the same because power, \(P=I V\), is independent of resistance.

Solution

Step 1 of 3

(a)

Referring to the problem, here we need to explain whether the total power dissipation in the given circuit increases, decreases or remains same when the switch is closed.

In the given case, when the switch is closed there will be three paths for the current to flow. One through the first resistor and second resistor and the other through the third resistor.

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Title Physics with MasteringPhysics 4 
Author James S. Walker
ISBN 9780321541635

Solved: CE Predict/Explain(a) When the switch is closed in

Chapter 21 textbook questions

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