Electromagnetism and light bulbs

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on methods to illuminate a light bulb in a circuit without altering its configuration. Two primary methods are identified: first, by closing the switch in the circuit to allow current to flow through coils, inducing a magnetic field that generates current in a second coil; second, by utilizing an AC generator, which produces alternating current that continuously changes, maintaining the magnetic field necessary to light the bulb. The participants confirm that closing the switch is permissible, clarifying the conditions under which the bulb can glow.

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  • Understanding of electromagnetic induction principles
  • Familiarity with AC and DC current characteristics
  • Knowledge of circuit components, including coils and switches
  • Basic grasp of how magnetic fields interact with electric currents
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Homework Statement



Here's an image of the circuit : http://gyazo.com/b313887dea7780e1226fcc8d4796a63d

1. Explain two ways to make the bulb glow without changing the circuit.
2. Explain why an AC generator replacing the battery could also make the bulb glow.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



This question is a bit vague, so I wanted to see if I was thinking about this properly.

1. The question says "without changing the circuit". Does that also include the fact I can't close the switch in the first circuit?

If I can close the switch in the first circuit I think I know how to answer this.

If the switch is closed in the first circuit, then increasing current will start flowing through the coils. These coils will induce a magnetic field in the bar magnet which in turn will induce a current in the second coil which will light the bulb.

This increasing current can only continue for so long without blowing the circuit. Eventually the current stops increasing and the magnetic field won't be induced anymore.

So by decreasing the current flowing through the first circuit, we can again induce the magnetic field in the bar magnet which will induce a current in the second coil. This will light the bulb once again until the current decreases to zero. Then we would have to increase the current again to get the magnetic field to come back.

2. An AC generator would produce AC current. AC current is always changing which is the exact condition we need to induce a magnetic field in the bar magnet. This magnetic field will induce a current in the second coil which can be used to light the bulb indefinitely ( until the filament blows ).

Are these okay or am I missing something?
 
Last edited:
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1. The question says "without changing the circuit". Does that also include the fact I can't close the switch in the first circuit?
I think you are allowed to close the switch.

Are these okay or am I missing something?
Looks good.
 
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mfb said:
I think you are allowed to close the switch.

Looks good.

Thanks :) it really threw me off when they said don't change the circuit.
 

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