In which case is it more likely that we may neglect non-ohmic effects due to the heating of the circuit by the current: in a series or parallel circuit? Why?
To determine in which case it is more likely that we may neglect non-ohmic effects due to heating in a circuit, we need to understand the differences between series and parallel circuits and how they affect the flow of current and the resulting heating.
In a series circuit, components are connected one after the other, forming a single pathway for the current to flow. The current remains the same throughout the circuit, while the voltage may vary across individual components. Each component in a series circuit experiences the same current.
In a parallel circuit, components are connected across multiple paths, forming branches. Each branch provides a unique pathway for the current to flow. The voltage across each component in a parallel circuit remains the same, while the current may vary across individual components. The total current flowing into a parallel circuit equals the sum of the currents across each branch.
Now, let's consider the heating effects in each case:
1. Series Circuit: Since the same current flows through all the components in a series circuit, any non-ohmic effects due to heating will be distributed equally among all the components. Therefore, it is less likely that we can neglect the non-ohmic effects in a series circuit, as each component may contribute to the overall heating.
2. Parallel Circuit: In a parallel circuit, each component experiences the same voltage, but the current may vary across individual components. As a result, the heating due to non-ohmic effects will depend on the resistance of each component and the current flowing through it. If a particular component has a significantly higher resistance compared to the others, it will dissipate more power as heat. In this case, neglecting non-ohmic effects may be more justifiable because the heating is concentrated in one or a few components rather than being spread evenly across all components.
In conclusion, it is more likely that we may neglect non-ohmic effects due to the heating of the circuit by the current in a parallel circuit, as the heating will be primarily concentrated in specific components rather than distributed evenly among all components. However, it is important to note that the specific characteristics and resistance of each component should be considered to determine if neglecting non-ohmic effects is appropriate in a given circuit.