What occurs when one probe of a circuit tester contacts a hot wire and the other probe contacts a neutral wire?

When one probe of a circuit tester contacts a hot wire and the other probe contacts a neutral wire, the voltage difference between the two wires causes current to flow, which will typically light the tester bulb. The tester is designed to detect the presence of voltage and current in the circuit. Therefore, the correct outcome in this scenario is that the tester bulb will light, indicating that there is current flowing in the circuit.

It's important to recognize that when the circuit is completed, which means that both probes are effectively providing a path for current to flow, the tester will respond by lighting up due to the presence of voltage.

In circumstances where a bulb breaks, that would usually indicate an overload or fault in the circuit being tested, but is not a direct result of connecting a hot and neutral wire with a tester.

If no reaction occurs, that suggests an open circuit or failure of the tester, which is not expected in this scenario as contacting hot and neutral should yield a measurable response.

Overall, the completion of the circuit between the hot and neutral wires is what causes the tester bulb to light and demonstrates the flow of electricity, reflecting a normal and expected operation of the electrical system.