Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 30 - Current and Resistance - Conceptual Questions - Page 886: 3

Answer

The speed of light is much faster than the speed of the electrons in the wire. When you turn on a flashlight, the electrical current flowing through the wire causes the filament in the bulb to heat up and emit light. The light travels almost instantly through the air to your eyes, while the electrons in the wire are still slowly making their way through the circuit. This is why you see the light turn on almost immediately, even though the electrons in the wire are moving relatively slowly.

Work Step by Step

The speed of light is much faster than the speed of the electrons in the wire. When you turn on a flashlight, the electrical current flowing through the wire causes the filament in the bulb to heat up and emit light. The light travels almost instantly through the air to your eyes, while the electrons in the wire are still slowly making their way through the circuit. This is why you see the light turn on almost immediately, even though the electrons in the wire are moving relatively slowly.
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