2007-02-13 14:40:31 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
No it does not consume power, since the current through the circuit is zero. However the voltage in the line is available across the bulb holder. It is waiting for the circuit to be complete and the current can start flowing. If you put your hand into the socket you can help in completing the circuit and get a shock.
2007-02-13 16:43:50 · answer #1 · answered by cooldude 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the circuit is not complete, then no electricity is being used. However, you can have something other than a bulb connected, which say to a bell, in which case of course you are using electricity.
*Be careful not to stick your finger in the socket thinking "oh, there is no electricity" because you could then be connecting the circuit and electricity could run through your finger, shocking you! The worst electric shock I ever had was placing one hand on a metal clothes washer, the other on the metal dryer next to it, apparently they weren't grounded properly, and the shock/pain was horrible!
2007-02-13 14:50:43 · answer #2 · answered by Robert M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You need a light bulb to complete the circuit. A light switch works by completing a circuit to let electricity flow through whatever it's connected to.
2007-02-13 14:45:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about the usual filament type bulbs, well then if the filament is broken no current flows through the circuit and no power is consumed. But if there is an electronic circuit used for starting the main circuit, a small amount of power is consumed.
2016-05-24 08:20:30 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's a "no" because the light bulb isn't there to complete the circuit. But I'm a biologist.
2007-02-13 14:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, but if you stick the wrong thing in the bulb socket you might get shocked. (circuits need a complete pathway for current to flow, i.e. to use electricity)
2007-02-13 14:44:44 · answer #6 · answered by ss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is no bulb it is not using electricity. Am I missing something?
2007-02-14 21:36:27 · answer #7 · answered by ZORCH 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm gonna say from experiance, yes. I once tried to turn a lamp on in the dark, and while fumbling around looking for the litle swithch thingy, I stuck my finger in the little slot where the bulb goes and recieved a small jolt. Unpleasant.....
2007-02-13 14:50:28 · answer #8 · answered by Emilyn 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if you are talking about a standard old fashioned light switch, then no. but if you are talking about a newer electronic dimmer, timer or a lighted switch (small nightlight inside the switch) then the answer is yes.
2007-02-13 14:56:01 · answer #9 · answered by gramatron 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋