Why won't the lightbulb light up in this circuit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a lightbulb will light up in a given circuit diagram. Participants explore the reasons behind the functionality of the circuit, focusing on concepts of electrical connections and circuit completeness.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the lightbulb will not light up due to a short circuit created by the connections made in the diagram.
  • One participant mentions that only one terminal of the bulb is connected, which contributes to the circuit being incomplete.
  • Another participant explains that for the bulb to light, there must be a complete circuit allowing current to flow through both contacts of the bulb.
  • Concerns are raised about potential damage to the battery and safety risks associated with the circuit configuration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the lightbulb will not light up due to the circuit being incomplete, but there are varying explanations regarding the specifics of the connections and the implications of the short circuit.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the circuit diagram and the components involved may not be fully articulated, and the discussion does not resolve the implications of the short circuit on the battery's condition.

jperentosh
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First, please look at the attached image.

Would the lightbulb light up? Why or why not?

(I thought that the lightbulb would not light up, but I didn't know why.)
 

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jperentosh said:
First, please look at the attached image.

Would the lightbulb light up? Why or why not?

(I thought that the lightbulb would not light up, but I didn't know why.)

The light bulb would not light up. You've short circuited the battery, and possibly damaged it. And depending on the wire gauge, you may burn the house down.
 
it won't light up because you have only connected one terminal of the globe
and as OmCheeto said ... its shorting out the battery

Dave
 
Look carefully at the diagram, please, and notice the rounded tip at the bottom (right side in the diagram). That is one contact of the bulb. The threads where the wire is attached form the second contact. As the others have said, in this diagram the + side of the battery is connected to the - side by the wire, resulting in MAXIMUM current!

In order for the bulb to light up there must be current passing through one contact, through the filament, and through the other contact. That's what we call a "complete circuit". In the diagram with the one contact not connected it's what's called "open circuit", so, no light.
 

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