Describe the $I$-$V$ characteristic of a metallic conductor under constant temperature conditions.
Describe the $I$-$V$ characteristic shown by a semiconductor diode.
Two identical filament lamps are connected first in series and then in parallel to a battery with electromotive force (e.m.f.) $12\,\text{V}$ and negligible internal resistance, as shown in Fig. 6.1a and Fig. 6.1b. The $I$-$V$ characteristic of each lamp is shown in Fig. 6.2.
Use the data in Fig. 6.2 to determine the current through the battery in the circuit in Fig. 6.1a.
Use the information in Fig. 6.2 to determine the current through the battery in the circuit shown in Fig. 6.1b.
Calculate the total resistance of the circuit in Fig. 6.1a.
Calculate the total resistance of the circuit in Fig. 6.1b.
Calculate this ratio $$\frac{\text{power dissipated in a lamp in the circuit of Fig. 6.1a}}{\text{power dissipated in a lamp in the circuit of Fig. 6.1b}}.$$