What happens to a bulb when a conductor is wired in series with the bulb (bulb lights or dosen't light)? Is the swich open or closed?
When a conductor is wired in series with a bulb, the behavior of the bulb depends on the switch being open or closed.
- Switch Open: If the switch is open, it means there is a gap in the circuit and no current can flow. In this case, the bulb will not light up because there is no complete path for the electrical current to follow. The open switch breaks the continuity of the circuit, preventing electricity from reaching the bulb.
- Switch Closed: If the switch is closed, it means the circuit is complete and current can flow through it. In this case, the bulb will light up because electricity can now pass through the conductor and reach the bulb. The closed switch allows the continuity of the circuit to be maintained, allowing electricity to flow and illuminate the bulb.
To determine whether the switch is open or closed in practice, you can visually inspect the switch itself. If the switch is in the "ON" position or the circuit is complete, the switch is closed. Conversely, if the switch is in the "OFF" position or the circuit is interrupted, the switch is open. This visual examination will help you determine the state of the switch and predict the behavior of the bulb.