Julian Farley

[Julian Farley]

Susan, thank you for the detailed response.

After reading it, I would alter my solution to give Loads 1-3 a voltage drop of [answer hidden]. I am still learning a lot about electricity so I think I misunderstood what is meant by a parallel circuit having the same voltage throughout the circuit. So, is it accurate to say that any load that performs work in any kind of electrical circuit will always experience a voltage drop?

[Julian Farley]

Okay after reviewing some material I have given this problem another shot. Will you please give me feedback?

My Reasoning:

The detector switch being closed creates a shunt around the main coil (Load 4) and so current does not flow to the main coil (Load 4).

This leaves Loads 1-3 in parallel with one another. Unlike a series circuit, in a parallel circuit the voltage is the same throughout the entire circuit and so the loads do not experience a voltage drop. Therefore, Loads 1-3 will not experience a voltage drop. So the answer would be 0V AC for Loads 1-3. Load 4 does not receive electrical current and, therefore, also does not experience a voltage drop. So the voltage drop will be OV AC for Load 4 as well.

[Julian Farley]

Sure!

Voltage drop refers to the potential difference across a load that has current flowing through it.

[Julian Farley]

Thank you so much! This helps. Also I went back and watched the video on this topic which really helped a lot also! I understand it now.

[Julian Farley]

Thanks very much Susan! It seems I have a lot to learn!

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