Understanding Voltage and Current in Parallel Connected Bulbs

When two tungsten bulbs, one of 50 W and another of 60 W, are connected in parallel across a 220 V potential difference, how does the total current flowing through the main conductor change? This article explains the concept using basic electrical principles, suitable for SEO optimization.

Conceptual Overview

The fundamental principle here is the application of basic electrical formulas to solve practical problems. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each component is the same, while the total current is the sum of the currents through each component.

Calculating Voltage and Current in Parallel

First, let's break down the problem step by step.

Given Data

Total Power (P): 50 W 60 W 110 W Potential Difference (V): 220 V

Step-by-Step Calculation

Using the formula for power, Watt Volatge x Current (W V x I), we can calculate the current through each bulb.

Current in 50 W Bulb

Current (I1) Power (P1) / Voltage (V) 50 W / 220 V 0.227 A

Current in 60 W Bulb

Current (I2) Power (P2) / Voltage (V) 60 W / 220 V 0.273 A

Total Current in the Main Conductor

The total current (IT) is the sum of the individual currents:

IT I1 I2 0.227 A 0.273 A 0.5 A

Thus, the current flowing through the main conductor is 0.5 A. This is a straightforward application of the laws of parallel circuits.

Additional Insights

In a parallel circuit, each component is an independent path, and the voltage across each component is the same as the voltage across the source. This is why the formula for total current (I) in a parallel circuit is:

IT (P1 P2) / V

For our case:

IT (50 W 60 W) / 220 V 110 W / 220 V 0.5 A

Real-World Application

Understanding how to calculate the total current in parallel circuits is crucial for engineers, electricians, and anyone dealing with electrical installations. It ensures that the electrical system can handle the load without overheating or failing.

Conclusion: In a parallel circuit with two bulbs of 50 W and 60 W connected across a 220 V potential difference, the total current flowing in the main conductor is 0.5 A. This is a simple yet fundamental application of electrical circuit theory.

Keywords: parallel connection, electrical resistance, power calculation, voltage, current