What is the voltage across the second lamp if 20 V are impressed across a circuit of two lamps in series and the voltage across the first lamp is 4 V?
The voltage across the second lamp is 16 V.
Voltage Division Principle
Voltage division is a fundamental concept in electrical circuits, where the total voltage in a series circuit is distributed among the components based on their individual resistances. When lamps are connected in series, the total voltage across the circuit is divided among the lamps. The voltage across each lamp depends on its individual resistance.
In this scenario, the circuit consists of two lamps connected in series, and a total voltage of 20 V is supplied. The voltage across the first lamp is given as 4 V. To determine the voltage across the second lamp, we can utilize the voltage division principle.
The formula to calculate the voltage across the second lamp in a series circuit is:
Voltage across second lamp = Total voltage - Voltage across first lamp
By applying the numbers from the given data:
Voltage across second lamp = 20 V - 4 V = 16 V
Therefore, the voltage across the second lamp is 16 V. This calculation highlights the concept of voltage division in a series circuit, where the voltage is distributed based on the individual component's resistance.
Understanding voltage division is crucial in analyzing series circuits and determining the voltage across each component. The calculation demonstrated in this scenario showcases how the total voltage is shared between two lamps connected in series based on their individual characteristics. This fundamental principle is essential in electrical engineering and circuit analysis.