Use the diagram for the next problem:
-The switch S is initially at position b for a long time.It is then switched to position a.Describe what happens to the light bulb as a function of time when the switch is flipped from b to a?
A)The light bulb was on but goes off immediately.
B)The light bulb was off and stays off.
C)The light bulb was on but its brightness decreases with time and eventually goes off.
D)The light bulb was on and stays on.
E)The light bulb was off.It then lights up but the brightness decreases with time and eventually goes off.

Question

Use the diagram for the next problem: 
-The switch S is initially at position b for a long time.It is then switched to position a.Describe what happens to the light bulb as a function of time when the switch is flipped from b to a?
A)The light bulb was on but goes off immediately. 
B)The light bulb was off and stays off. 
C)The light bulb was on but its brightness decreases with time and eventually goes off. 
D)The light bulb was on and stays on. 
E)The light bulb was off.It then lights up but the brightness decreases with time and eventually goes off.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the switch moves from b to a, the circuit configuration changes, typically involving a capacitor or inductor if the brightness decreases over time. Initially, the bulb is off because the circuit was open or not energized in position b. After flipping to a, the bulb lights up due to the sudden flow of current but dims and goes off as the energy stored in the reactive component (capacitor or inductor) is discharged or the magnetic field collapses, respectively.

Use the Diagram for the Next Problem