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Chapter 25: Problem 5

In some cities, streetlights are wired in such a way that when one burns out, they all go out. Are the lights in series or parallel?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The lights are wired in a series.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Circuit Types

Circuits can be either series or parallel. A series circuit has all the elements connected in a line, with the same current flowing through them all. In a parallel circuit, components are wired side by side, with the same voltage across each component.
02

Apply Knowledge to Situation

In the given situation, when one streetlight burns out, they all go out. This suggests the same current is flowing through them, since the failure of one component interrupts the flow of electricity.
03

Arriving at a Conclusion

From the information given and the knowledge of how the two circuits operate, it can be concluded that the streetlights are wired in a series. Because, in a series circuit, if one component goes out, the current is interrupted and all components in the circuit fail.

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