May 29, 2003

Mr. Wizard, where are you?

Can anyone answer this question: When your lightbulb burns out, but you leave the light switch on, are you still using electricity?

Please and thank you.

Posted by hilatron at May 29, 2003 07:36 AM
Comments

My physics teacher husband will be real bummed that I'm not sure about this one... I do know that if the light switch is on, the circuit is complete, so electrons are still running around on it. Whether it makes a difference that the electrons are not being used to power something, I just don't freakin know. I really should have waited till said physicist gets home, so I could answer this question and take false credit for knowing a damn thing. Stay tuned.

Posted by: EV at May 29, 2003 09:52 AM

I wait with bated breath!

Posted by: Hilatron at May 29, 2003 10:24 AM

Mr. Wizard where are you indeed! He beats the pants off that smirky Bill Nye.

Posted by: SJ at May 29, 2003 11:05 AM

Mr. Physics comes through! The official answer is, no, you are not using electricity. I was actually wrong about the circuit being complete, when the filiment burns out, it disintigrates, and therefore breaks the circuit! If it didn't, you'd blow a fuse with too much current running!

Posted by: EV at May 29, 2003 11:30 AM

The internet teaches me everyday.

Posted by: Sarah B. at May 29, 2003 01:49 PM

Hooray physics teacher husband!

Posted by: Hilatron at May 29, 2003 02:14 PM

Y'know that is one of the major things I keep wondering and then forgetting about. Glad to have that answered, finally. Thanks Mr Physics Teacher Husband!

Posted by: Lynn at May 29, 2003 03:32 PM

I will pass along your thanks. You know, when I asked him the question, I think he took it for idle curiosity in the wonders of his field. I guess I'll fess up though.

Posted by: EV at May 30, 2003 07:25 AM

Well, it was idle curiosity on my part, if that makes it any better.

Posted by: Hilatron at May 30, 2003 12:14 PM