Resistance and Power if an element is removed from parallel circuit

In summary, when a wire in one of the heating elements breaks, the total resistance of the heater will increase and the power output will decrease. This is because the resistors in parallel add up to a higher total resistance and using the formula P=V^2/R, we can see that as the resistance increases, the power output decreases.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A heater consists of heating elements connected in parallel across a power supply. A wire in one of the heating elements breaks. What happens to the total resistance of the heater? And the power output of the heater?


The Attempt at a Solution


Will the resistance increase and the power decrease? I'm just not sure how to explain why that happens.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated! Many Thanks!
 
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  • #2
What do you think?

How do resistors in parallel add?
 
  • #3
What is the value of total resistance for N resistors R in parallel? Then N-1 resistors in parallel?

Then look at P as a function of V and I, and remembering the relationship between V, I, and R.
 
  • #4
Will the resistance increase because the Total Resistance=Value of 1 resistor/Number of resistors. So if there is one less resistor then the total resistance will be greater. Is this right??

And for the power, would I use P=V^2/R. Because voltage will stay the same but resistance has increased, therefore making power decrease? Thanks
 
  • #5
Sounds good!
 

FAQ: Resistance and Power if an element is removed from parallel circuit

What happens to the resistance in a parallel circuit if an element is removed?

Removing an element from a parallel circuit decreases the overall resistance in the circuit. This is because in a parallel circuit, the total resistance is calculated by taking the reciprocal of each individual resistance and then summing them together. Removing an element means that there is one less resistance to take into account, resulting in a lower overall resistance.

How does removing an element affect the current in a parallel circuit?

Removing an element from a parallel circuit increases the total current in the circuit. This is because in a parallel circuit, the total current is divided among the different branches based on their individual resistances. Removing an element means there is one less branch for the current to flow through, resulting in a higher current in the remaining branches.

Will removing an element affect the voltage in a parallel circuit?

Removing an element from a parallel circuit does not affect the voltage in the circuit. This is because in a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch is the same as the voltage across the entire circuit. Removing an element does not change the total voltage, so the voltage across the remaining elements will remain the same.

What happens to the power in a parallel circuit if an element is removed?

Removing an element from a parallel circuit decreases the total power in the circuit. This is because in a parallel circuit, the total power is divided among the different branches based on their individual resistances. Removing an element means there is one less branch for the power to be distributed to, resulting in a lower total power.

How does removing an element affect the overall efficiency of a parallel circuit?

Removing an element from a parallel circuit increases the overall efficiency of the circuit. This is because in a parallel circuit, the efficiency is calculated by dividing the total power by the power consumed by each individual branch. Removing an element means there is less power being consumed by the circuit, resulting in a higher overall efficiency.

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