he says the only correct answer is c and refuses to accept that he is wrong, and let me tell you it's not the only question he made that had several correct answers... He's such a stubborn guy... I like him as a person just not as a teacher
The only way I could see this being even partially correct is because the original question says "electrical state".
A normally-open button, not pressed has it's contacts open whether or not power is applied.
A normally-closed button not pressed has it's contacts closed whether or not power is applied.
It appears your teacher is looking at it in terms of current flow (electrical state?):
N.O. button is an open circuit when power is applied.
N.C. button is a closed circuit when power is applied.
A "trick" question that has very little to do with actual knowledge.
EDIT: Just re-read the original, C is "power is NOT applied". So I don't see any way for C to make sense. The above would argue (albeit weakly) for A "Power is applied".
Dave