2 FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRICITY

Part 1

Current Takes Easiest Path

1.

The circuit in figure 4-1 will show that current takes the “easiest path”. Build this circuit. Get an instructor to check your wiring and initial: _____________

L2

+

12V

L1

L3

Figure 4.1

2.

Turn on the DC supply and set it at 12 V.

You should see that L1 is brighter than L2 or L3. This is because more current flows through L1 than L2 or L3. Since the path through L1 is “easier” than the path through both L2 and L3 more current flows through L1.

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