Which parallel resistor dissipates more power?
A 2 Ω resistor and a 4 Ω resistor are connected in parallel across an 8 V battery. Which dissipates more power?
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
With equal voltages, the larger resistor dissipates less, not more.
B
Correct. Both have 8 V across them, so P = V²/R: 64/2 = 32 W versus 64/4 = 16 W.
C
The 4 Ω resistor does dissipate 16 W, but that is less than the 2 Ω resistor.
D
Equal voltage across different resistances gives different power.
TakeawayIn parallel (same V), lower R dissipates more power. In series (same I), higher R dissipates more.
Equation usedElectrical power
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