If a flashlight battery, a condenser, and a flashlight bulb are connected in series, and the bulb burns brightly and steadily, then the condenser is?

Prepare for the MTA Transit Electrical Helper Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Hints and explanations accompany each question. Get ready for your exam!

When a flashlight battery, a condenser (or capacitor), and a flashlight bulb are connected in series, the system requires a continuous path for current to flow through all components. If the bulb is burning brightly and steadily, it indicates that there is a sufficient and continuous flow of electric current supplying power to the bulb.

In this scenario, if the bulb is functioning properly and illuminated well, it generally suggests that the capacitor is indeed allowing current to pass through. A short-circuit occurs when there is an alternative low-resistance path in an electrical circuit, bypassing other components. If the capacitor were short-circuited, it would essentially act as a direct connection, allowing maximum current flow and resulting in the bulb receiving full voltage directly from the power source. This would explain the bright and steady illumination of the bulb.

Given that the bulb is burning well, the situation indicates that the capacitor is likely doing its job effectively, but the conditions suggest that it might also be acting as a short-circuit, allowing all available current to flow through to the bulb without any voltage drop or limitation that would occur with a fully charged capacitor. Thus, concluding that the capacitor is short-circuited aligns with the behavior observed in the circuit.

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