This problem involves calculating the power output of a single lamp and then determining the total supply current when two such lamps are connected in a parallel circuit.

Lamp Power Output Calculation

To calculate the power output of a single lamp, we can use the fundamental formula that relates voltage, current, and power. The power (P) is the product of the voltage (V) across the component and the current (I) flowing through it. The question provides the voltage rating of the lamp and the current it passes.

• Given Voltage (V) = 230 V
• Given Current (I) = 0.24 A

The formula for power output is:

\( P = V \times I \)

Substituting the given values into the formula:

\( P = 230 \text{ V} \times 0.24 \text{ A} \)

\( P = 55.2 \text{ W} \)

Therefore, the power output of a single lamp is 55.2 Watts.

Supply Current for Parallel Lamps

When a second similar lamp is connected in parallel to the first lamp, a few key principles of parallel circuits apply:

• In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each component is the same as the supply voltage. So, each lamp will still operate at 230 V.
• Since each lamp is "similar" and is subjected to the same voltage (230 V), each lamp will draw the same current, which is 0.24 A.
• The total supply current in a parallel circuit is the sum of the individual currents flowing through each branch.

Let's denote the current through the first lamp as \(I_1\) and the current through the second lamp as \(I_2\).

• Current through the first lamp (\(I_1\)) = 0.24 A
• Current through the second lamp (\(I_2\)) = 0.24 A (since it's a similar lamp connected in parallel)

The total supply current (\(I_{\text{total}}\)) is the sum of these individual currents:

\( I_{\text{total}} = I_1 + I_2 \)

Substituting the values:

\( I_{\text{total}} = 0.24 \text{ A} + 0.24 \text{ A} \)

\( I_{\text{total}} = 0.48 \text{ A} \)

Thus, the total supply current required to power two similar lamps connected in parallel, ensuring each lamp maintains its rated power output, is 0.48 A.