Thread: Potential Dividers

Can anyone explain to me why the answer to 31 should be A. Why would it get brighter if the switch is closed?

Originally Posted by igcsestudent

Can anyone explain to me why the answer to 31 should be A. Why would it get brighter if the switch is closed?

when the switch is open, the bulb is in series with a resistor. closing the switch bypasses the resistor, increasing the current through the bulb.

doesn't this have anything to do with potential dividers? and what do you mean by bypasses the resistor, wouldn't electricity flow to the resister if the switch is closed?
thanks

Originally Posted by igcsestudent

doesn't this have anything to do with potential dividers? and what do you mean by bypasses the resistor, wouldn't electricity flow to the resister if the switch is closed?
thanks

very, very little current would flow through the resistor. current flow always takes the path of least resistance ... ever heard of the term "short circuit"?

Originally Posted by skeeter

ever heard of the term "short circuit"?

never heard it in my life.... thanks though!