What is the result of wiring two 120 volt incandescent light bulbs in series, with one being a 60 watt bulb and the other a 4 watt bulb?

When two incandescent light bulbs of different wattages are connected in series to a 120-volt source, the total resistance in the circuit is a combination of the individual resistances of both bulbs. The resistance of a light bulb can be calculated using the formula ( R = \frac{V^2}{P} ), where ( V ) is the voltage across the bulb and ( P ) is its power rating in watts.

For the 60-watt bulb, the resistance would be calculated as follows:

[ R_{60} = \frac{120^2}{60} = 240 , \text{ohms} ]

For the 4-watt bulb, the calculation is:

[ R_{4} = \frac{120^2}{4} = 3600 , \text{ohms} ]

When you connect these two resistances in series, the total resistance is the sum of the two:

[ R_{total} = R_{60} + R_{4} = 240 + 3600 = 3840 , \text{ohms} ]

The same amount of current flows through both bulbs in a series circuit. The voltage drop across