2006-08-21 19:00:51 · 9 answers · asked by saravana b 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Snakes on a plane.
2006-08-21 19:07:54 · answer #1 · answered by Zzzz... 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
None of the above. The lights consume almost no energy, and can any way be powered by an alternator separate from the engines.
Take off and landing are the highest risk times in a flight, so it is important that people are well placed to make an emergency evacuation of the plane if necessary. This means seat backs upright (so they do not block access), all luggage out of the way and crucially that eyes are aclimatised to ambient light conditions.
For the latter the window blinds are opened and the artificial lights turned off. This means if the plane does crash, people will have already adjusted to the light that will then be avialable. If they are still alive of course.
2006-08-21 22:33:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's alot of interference during take-off, so it's simple: To conserve energy, and to keep the lights from flickering while the plane's trying to take-off. Plus, the captain doesn't want the other people outside to see the scared and horryfied faces the people on-board are making while he's trying to lift-off.
2006-08-21 19:05:09 · answer #3 · answered by helpWanteD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. I don't think the power or interference issues are significant.
My best guess is that there is a tiny probability that any circuit can short-circuit at any time, and then wreak havoc on other circuits (e.g. avionics) connected to the same power supply.
If you turn off everything except the essentials, then you lower the probability of a freak event that could cause a piloting crisis.
2006-08-22 06:44:48 · answer #4 · answered by Tom H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A safety precaution. Take off is one of the two most high risk activities that a plane performs, and they need to ensure that the engines and planes electrics get priority.
2006-08-21 19:06:33 · answer #5 · answered by jimbomediterraneo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Part of it has to do with interference (EMI) since most cabin lighting is flourescent and driven by AC. And part of it is that it puts a bit less load on the generator(s) and lets the engine(s) provide more propulsive power.
The other reason is that, if anything goes wrong, it's just one less 'live' (i.e. current carrying) circuit that might generate a spark and ignite fuel.
Doug
2006-08-21 20:09:18 · answer #6 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Electromagnetic disturbance reduction.
2006-08-21 19:05:40 · answer #7 · answered by Claude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
which lights.... overhead lights... the no smoking light..... the bathroom light....
it saves on juice.... they need the power to get off the ground...
2006-08-21 19:04:22 · answer #8 · answered by pro_steering_wheel_holder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably because they need as much energy or power to get them off the ground.
2006-08-21 19:07:15 · answer #9 · answered by sellatieeat 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋