Chapter 23.2, Problem 32SSC

To determine

The potential difference across the battery.

Answer to Problem 32SSC

  $8.0\text{V}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The potential difference across bulb 2, $V_1=3.8\text{V}$

The potential difference across bulb 3, $V_2=4.2\text{V}$

Formula used:

In series combination, the current remains same while the potential difference gets divided.

Calculation:

Assuming the bulb 2 and bulb 3 are connected in the series with the battery, then the net potential difference across the bulb will be,

  $\begin{array}{c}{V}_n=V_1+V_2\\ =\left(3.8+4.2\right)\text{}\text{V}\\ =8.0\text{V}\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Hence, the net potential difference across the bulb is $8.0\text{V}$ .