Resistors of values 8.0 W,12.0 W,and 24.0 W are connected in parallel across a fresh battery.Which resistor dissipates the greatest power?
A)the 8.0-W resistor
B)the 12.0-W resistor
C)the 24.0-W resistor
D)All dissipate the same power when in parallel.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When resistors are connected in parallel, the total resistance decreases and the current through each resistor increases. The power dissipated by each resistor is given by P = V^2/R, where V is the voltage across the resistor and R is the resistance. Since V is the same for all resistors in parallel, the resistor with the smallest resistance (i.e. the 8.0-W resistor) will dissipate the greatest power, while the resistor with the largest resistance (i.e. the 24.0-W resistor) will dissipate the least power. Thus, the correct answer is A.

Resistors of Values 8