Resistor 1 has twice the resistance of resistor 2. They are connected in parallel to a battery. The ratio of the thermal energy dissipation by 1 to that by 2 is:
A) 1:4
B) 1:2
C) 1:1
D) 2:1
E) 4:1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each resistor is the same. The power dissipated by a resistor is given by P = V^2/R. Since resistor 1 has twice the resistance of resistor 2, it will dissipate half the power of resistor 2, leading to a ratio of 1:2.

Resistor 1 Has Twice the Resistance of Resistor 2