I cannot figure out why the switch on this diagram works,
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I am working with my little sister and my logic says that power should always have the lights on, but it doesn't. the switch works as normal.
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In theory, the switch should not have any effect on the light. Please explain.
I feel like such and idiot because she is in middle school, and I cannot explain why it doesn't always stay on.

Yeah, I'm a newb.
Thanks.

And yes, I've tried it with two different switches.

 

maybe this will help?

http://www.phys.ufl.edu/courses/phy2...chapterR18.pdf

 

The bulb goes dim or off because when the switch is closed/shorted current follows the path of least resistance.

Closing that switch is a quick way to burn a wire or drain the batteries if they dont pop from heat buildup.

 

When the switch is closed or on, the light goes on, when open it goes off, it shouldn't do that, and with the circuit at the switch open, there is only one path, yet the light does not stay on.

 

There has to be something else missing. Because the first diagram does show a path from positive and negative to each side of the bulb, which would turn it on.

Can you explain what you have better? Is this an existing system? Pics?

 

Simple light, battery, and a switch connected in parallel to the light but without a load on, but not in series with the light, when the switch goes off, the light goes off as well.

 

PFM, imho

 

Exactly.

 

There...now it works.

 

It works both ways, and the exact same way.

 

Maybe in your head it does. Or(if you have some type of severe learning disorder) it looks like it works on paper. In reality though...

Look...it's really not that funny anymore. Somebody could start a fire, and/or possibly injure themselves/others by trying to weld the switch contacts(while closed, depending on battery amperage). So whatever your point is with this nonsense...we're obviously not getting it.

 

it should always stay on lol

 

Not true, The bulb has minimal current requirement to emit light, This does not mean that its not heating or no current flow.
The closed switch drops the resistance to zero or less then the resistance of the bulb allowing max current flow through the switch.

Memphis would be half right but wrong in thinking the exact same way.
The switch in the off/open possission would make the light go on.

Mudhippy has the correct working diagram.

You hook up anything on your truck like Memphis's diagram shows, You better have good fire extinguisher on hand.

Memphis, If your looking for logic circuits to work with your daughter, Look up Boolean logic.

 

I don't want it to work.hippy
The first diagram shows a switch that is not in line with the bulbs, yet it turns them off and on. It shouldn't do that .. the bulbs should stay on all the time regardless of the switch position.

Also, starting a fire? a joke needs to end? I was just asking, I have two AA batteries and some old lights, and a stupid diagram that makes no sense, yet it works.

I know mudhippy's diagram works, but so does the first one. and i know it shouldn't.

 

Switch open - light always on until the batteries go dead or bulb burns out.

Switch closed - short circuit. Light off due to the massive current draw thru the extremely low resistance of the wire/switch. Heat. Possibly wire insulation ignition and wire burnout.

Any other result is due to human error such as wiring the switch/bulb wrong.

Those are the laws of physics. If you ever get this to 'work', PLEASE make a nice vid and put it up on YouTube so we can all watch in amazement as the fundamental laws that govern the universe are openly violated! :o)

 

Thank you...and good night!
Dude...it SO does NOT work!!! Take the blindfold OFF, it's evidently obstructing your view.