In parallel circuits, for two lamps with different resistances, which lamp has higher current?

In parallel circuits, for two lamps with different resistances, which lamp has higher current?

• A. The lamp with higher resistance has higher current
• B. Current depends on brightness
• C. They have the same current
• D. The lamp with lower resistance has higher current

Answer: (D)

In parallel circuits, all devices share the same across-the-supply voltage, so the current through each branch follows I = V/R. With two lamps that have different resistances, the lamp with the smaller resistance draws more current because the same voltage causes a larger current when R is smaller. So the lamp with lower resistance has the higher current. Brightness relates to power dissipated, P = V^2/R (or P = I^2R). At the same voltage, the lower-resistance lamp not only draws more current but also consumes more power, often making it brighter. The currents aren’t the same unless the resistances are equal, and current isn’t determined by brightness itself. The statement that the lamp with higher resistance has higher current contradicts I = V/R.

In parallel circuits, all devices share the same across-the-supply voltage, so the current through each branch follows I = V/R. With two lamps that have different resistances, the lamp with the smaller resistance draws more current because the same voltage causes a larger current when R is smaller. So the lamp with lower resistance has the higher current.

Brightness relates to power dissipated, P = V^2/R (or P = I^2R). At the same voltage, the lower-resistance lamp not only draws more current but also consumes more power, often making it brighter. The currents aren’t the same unless the resistances are equal, and current isn’t determined by brightness itself. The statement that the lamp with higher resistance has higher current contradicts I = V/R.