It’s been a while since I posted anything in the Cute Problems folder, so here’s a nice one:
Two physics students are studying at desks in the same room. The two outlets of the wall socket to which their desk lamps are attached have inadvertently been wired in series rather than in parallel. The only bulbs available for the lamps are designed for the nominal mains voltage (240V) : Student A chooses a 200W bulb for his lamp; Student B opts for a 50W bulb for hers.
Which is the brighter student?
Hint: Assume that the filament in each bulb obeys Ohm’s Law.
Answers through the comments box please, preferably with working…..
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