Lesson 4: Circuits, Conductors, & Insulators

Simple Circuits,

Conductors & Insulators

​A path that transmits electric current in a continuous loop.

Electric Circuits

Electric devices plugged into circuits allow electrical energy to be transformed into other types of energy such as light, heat, or sound energy

Electric Circuits

In order for the electricity to flow, the circuit has to be complete (or closed). Some circuits will have switches which give us control to open and close the path the electric current is flows along. When the switch is "on" the electric current can flow because the circuit is complete/ fully connected. When the switch if "off" the electric current cannot flow because the circuit is incomplete.

Electric Circuits

​Switch is "ON" = Complete circuit

​​Switch is "OFF" = Incomplete circuit

Materials that allow electric current to pass through them easily. In conductors electrons can easily flow. Metals are all common conductors.

Conductors

​NOTE: SEA WATER IS A CONDUCTOR BECAUSE OF THE SALT PRESENT IN THE WATER! PURE WATER IS NOT A CONDUCTOR

Materials that resist the flow of electric current through them. Electrons are not able to easily move around therefore electricity cannot flow. Rubber, Wood, Glass, and Oil are examples of insulators

Insulators

Multiple Choice

Materials that allow electric current to pass through them easily.

• Insulators

• Conductors

Multiple Choice

Materials that a restrict/stop the flow of electric current

• Insulators

• Conductors

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a conductor?

• Glass Cup

• Blade of Grass

• Metal Paperclip

• Rubber Tire

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a conductor?

• Metal Rod

• Flower

• Plastic Cup

• Rubber Eraser

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an insulator?

• Metal Bleachers

• Aluminum Cup

• Paperclip

• Rubber Tire

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an insulator?

• Glass Cup

• Metal Rod

• Copper Penny

• Metal Shovel