PURPOSE: Test your ability to analyze series/parallel circuit.

DESCRIPTION: The circuit shown above uses three 1.5 volt batteries (a total of 4.5 volts) and five identical 1.5 volt light bulbs. In the photograph all of the switches are OFF, so none of the light bulbs is lit. The question is to rank the light bulbs in order of brightness when all of the switches are closed, putting all of the bulbs in the series/parallel circuit.

Click your mouse on the photograph above to see the solution.

SUGGESTIONS:

See Question of the Week #60 for information on using this demonstration to enhance class involvement. Included are questions about what will happen when certain of the lights are added in various sequences.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.)

EQUIPMENT: Battery-operated circuit paradox demonstration.

SETUP TIME: None.