The brightness of a lightbulb is dependent on the current that goes through the lightbulb (in reality on the power, which is I^2/R). In Europe, the voltage used is 220 Volts, as opposed to the 120 Volts used in the USA. Will a lighbulb that is made for European voltage work well or poorly in the USA? It will work poorly in the USA. Since I=V/R, if V decreases, so does I, and so does the brightness. It will work more efficiently in the USA. Since I=V/R, if V decreases, I increases, and the brightness increases. It will work better in the USA because the resistance of the wires is smaller. Whether it works better or worse depends on how modern the wiring system is, regardless of the voltage, V.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections
1st Edition
ISBN:9781133939146
Author:Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:Katz, Debora M.
Chapter28: Current And Resistance
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 38PQ: A lightbulb is connected to a variable power supply. As the potential across the bulb is varied, the...
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The brightness of a lightbulb is dependent on the current that goes through the lightbulb (in reality on the power, which is I^2/R). In Europe, the voltage used is 220 Volts, as opposed to the 120 Volts used in the USA. Will a lighbulb that is made for European voltage work well or poorly in the USA?

   

It will work poorly in the USA. Since I=V/R, if V decreases, so does I, and so does the brightness.

   

It will work more efficiently in the USA. Since I=V/R, if V decreases, I increases, and the brightness increases.

   

It will work better in the USA because the resistance of the wires is smaller.

   

Whether it works better or worse depends on how modern the wiring system is, regardless of the voltage, V.

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