Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 18 - Electric Currents - Misconceptual Questions - Page 521: 11

Answer

Choice B.

Work Step by Step

This is discussed at the bottom of page 516. A particular electron does not have to travel from the switch to the lightbulb for the bulb to initially light up. When the switch is flipped on, the newly established electric potential across the wire creates an electric field that causes all of the mobile electrons in the wire to start moving, and the lightbulb works immediately.
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