Chapter 35, Problem 38A

Are automobile headlights wired in parallel or in series? What is your evidence?

To determine

Whether the automobile headlights are wired in parallel or series connection.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In a series connection, the bulbs are connected end to end with other bulbs. The same current passes through each bulb of the series connection. In a parallel connection, the bulbs are connected separately. So, the current in each bulb remains different.

When the supply is given to bulbs in series connection, each bulb of the series connection glows simultaneously with the same brightness due to the same current through each bulb.

When the supply is given to bulbs in parallel connection, each bulb of the parallel connection glows with different brightness due to different current through each bulb.

Both headlights of the automobile do not need to on at the same time which implies that the headlights are wired in parallel combination. Both blinkers of the headlights do not blink simultaneously. So, the headlight is wired in a parallel connection.

Conclusion:

The headlights of the automobile are wired in parallel, both blinkers of the headlights do not blink simultaneously.