Question

When the lightbulbs were used as the resistors, you observed only a flash of light, as opposed to a continuous glow. Explain why that behavior is expected. After all, the light bulb is directly connected to the power supply.

Answer 1

Whenever the lightbulbs are used as resistors, we throw the switch to the left. This allows the current to flow through the circuit which causes the bulb to glow and also the capacitor gets charged. When the capacitor gets fully charged, the electric field becomes constant between its two plates. Now there is no displacement current induced in the plates of the capacitor. The capacitor works as an open switch and the bulb gets switched off.

And thus the bulb flashes for the moment as opposed to continuous glow.