SIN Bin

2014, problem 4

Two physics students, Alice and Bob, living in neighbouring college rooms, decide to economize by connecting their ceiling lights in series. They agree that each will install a 100W bulb in their own rooms and that they will pay equal shares. However, both decide to try to get the better lighting at the other's expense: Alice installed a 200W bulb and Bob installed a 50W bulb.
Which student has the better lighting?

(a) Alice

(b) Bob

(c) Both have the same brightness

(d) Alice's bulb instantly burns out

(e) Answer cannot be determined