Energy: Investigation 1

A circuit is a closed path through which electric current flows.

The main parts of a circuit include a power source (like a D-cell), wires, a switch, and a load (like a light bulb).

A D-cell is a type of battery that stores electrical energy and provides power to a circuit.

A switch controls the flow of electricity in a circuit by opening (turning off) or closing (turning on) the circuit.

The positive terminal is the part of the D-cell where electric current flows out.

The negative terminal is the part of the D-cell where electric current flows in.

A series circuit is a circuit where all components are connected in a single path, so the current flows through one component to get to the next.

A parallel circuit is a circuit where components are connected across common points or junctions, allowing multiple pathways for the current to flow.

If one component fails in a series circuit, the entire circuit stops working.

If one component fails in a parallel circuit, the other components can still operate because there are multiple pathways for the current.