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Difficulty: EasyElectricity and Magnetism

A string of decorative holiday lights is designed such that removing a single bulb causes all the other bulbs on the strand to go out immediately. Which type of electrical circuit does this light strand represent?

  1. A
    A parallel circuit, because each component operates on an independent branch
  2. A series circuit, because all components share a single continuous path for electric currentAnswer
  3. C
    A parallel circuit, because current stops dividing among multiple pathways
  4. D
    A short circuit, because electrical resistance in the wire drops to zero

Answer

A series circuit, because all components share a single continuous path for electric current
In a series circuit, all electrical loads are connected end-to-end along a single continuous path. Because electric current must travel through each component sequentially, removing or burning out any one bulb breaks the loop, creating an open circuit that immediately turns off all remaining bulbs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the pathway configuration of the electrical components in the circuit
The circuit contains only one continuous conducting path connecting every bulb in sequence.
Understanding the number of paths for current flow determines whether a circuit is wired in series or in parallel.
2
Analyze the effect of removing a component on the circuit loop
Removing one bulb creates a gap (open circuit), halting the flow of charge through the entire path.
Electric current requires an uninterrupted closed loop from the power source back to the source to flow.

Key Concept

Series vs. Parallel Circuits and Current Pathways
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Electricity and Magnetism

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