Resistor 1 has twice the resistance of resistor 2.The two are connected in parallel and a potential difference is maintained across the combination.The rate of thermal energy dissipation in 1 is:
A)the same as that in 2
B)twice that in 2
C)half that in 2
D)four times that in 2
E)one fourth that in 2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a parallel circuit, the potential difference across each resistor is the same. Therefore, using the formula P=V^2/R, where P is the thermal energy dissipation, V is the potential difference, and R is the resistance, we can see that the rate of thermal energy dissipation in resistor 1 is inversely proportional to its resistance. Since resistor 1 has twice the resistance of resistor 2, its rate of thermal energy dissipation is half that of resistor 2. Therefore, the answer is (C), half that in 2.

Resistor 1 Has Twice the Resistance of Resistor 2