Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to convert the switching circuit into its logical expression, simplify it, and count the resulting unique switches. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
From the diagram:
Top branch: \( p \) (representing \( S_1 \)).
Bottom branch: \( q \) (representing \( S_2 \)) in series with a parallel block of \( \sim q \) (representing \( S_2' \)) and \( \sim r \) (representing \( S_3' \)).
The logical statement is \( L \equiv p \lor [q \land (\sim q \lor \sim r)] \).
Simplify using distribution:
\[ L \equiv p \lor [(q \land \sim q) \lor (q \land \sim r)] \]
\[ L \equiv p \lor [F \lor (q \land \sim r)] \text{ (where F is Contradiction)} \]
\[ L \equiv p \lor (q \land \sim r) \]
The simplified circuit has 3 switches: \( S_1 \), \( S_2 \), and \( S_3' \). Step 4: Final Answer:
The alternative circuit has 3 switches.