The Basics of Electricity: Part 2

The Basics of Electricity: Part 2

Currents & Circuits

• Currents are controlled with circuits.

• A circuit is a path for the flow of electrons.

• Wires are used to create a circuit.

• A switch turns a circuit on and off.

  
  

  A closed switch = ON (left)

  
  

  An open switch = OFF (right)

Multiple Choice

A circuit is a path for the flow of electrons.

• True

• False

There are 2 types of circuits:

• Series circuit

• Parallel circuit

Series Circuit

• The components are

  lined up along one path.

• If the circuit is broken, all

  components turn off.

Parallel Circuit

• There are several

  branching paths to the

  components.

• If the circuit is broken at any one

  branch, only the components on

  that branch will turn off.

Multiple Select

What are the two types of circuits?

• Parallel Circuit

• Flow Circuit

• Series Circuit

• Irregular Circuit

Conductors vs. Insulators

• Conductors: material through

  which electric current flows easily.

• Insulators: materials through

  which electric current cannot move.

Examples of Conductors

• Water

• Metal

Examples of Insulators

• Styrofoam

• Rubber

• Plastic

• Paper

Multiple Choice

What is a conductor?

• A material that allows electric current to flow easily

• A material that stops electric current from flowing

Multiple Select

Choose 2 examples of conductors

• Metal

• Styrofoam

• Plastic

• Water

Multiple Choice

What is an insulator?

• A material that stops an electric current from flowing

• A material that allows electric current to flow easily

Multiple Select

Chose 3 examples of insulators.

• Styrofoam

• Rubber

• Water

• Plastic

Additonal information about circuits

• Closed switch = on

• Open switch = off

• A fuse is a safety device that prevents short circuits

• A circuit breaker is a device that will "turn off" a fuse if the electrical flow is too strong

• Short circuits happen when the path of the wire is not connected properly

  (the device will not work properly, can start fires)

• Circuits need to be grounded meaning part of the electrical

  energy needs to be directed to the ground