Two identical light-bulb filaments, each of resistance 10Ω when glowing, are intended to be operated in series from an ideal 6.0V battery. A student wishes to monitor the circuit’s current and the potential difference across the second bulb. In error, the student places an ideal voltmeter in series with the bulbs and connects an ideal ammeter directly across the second bulb.
(a) Describe two specific placement errors the student has made.
(b) Draw or clearly describe a corrected wiring scheme that would allow both the current through the bulbs and the potential difference across the second bulb to be measured simultaneously without significantly altering circuit behavior.
(c) Assuming the circuit is rewired correctly, calculate (i) the current in the circuit and (ii) the potential difference across each bulb.
(d) Qualitatively compare the brightness of the bulbs and the numerical readings of both meters in the incorrect setup versus the corrected setup.