Two Types of Circuits

What Kinds Of Circuits Are There?

By Angela Clark

Many circuits have two or more objects in the circuit. How can these paths be set up.

One type of circuit has the two objects connected in a single path. This arrangement is called a SERIES CIRCUIT. In a series circuit, electricity can flow in only one way. ​WHEN BOTH BULBS ARE IN PLACE IN A SERIES CIRCUIT, IT IS A CLOSED CIRCUIT. WHEN ONE BULB IS REMOVED, AN OPEN CIRCUIT IS CREATED.

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TEXTBOOK pp. 82-83

What Kinds of Circuits Are There?

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Another type of circuit has the two objects connected in a parallel circuit connects each object to the cell separately. There are two paths through which current can flow.

When one bulb is removed from a parallel circuit, the other bulb is still a part of a complete circuit. That is why it remains lit. A PARALLEL CIRCUIT STILL WORKS WHEN A PART IS REMOVED BECAUSE THERE IS STILL A COMPLETE CIRCUIT. ​

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TEXTBOOK pp. 82-83

What Kinds of Circuits Are There?

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Multiple Choice

#19 - OUTLINE

 A circuit that has two or more objects in the circuit is called a(n) ______________ circuit.

• SILLY

• SELECTED

• SERIES

• SLIDE

SERIES

#19​

Multiple Choice

#20 - OUTLINE

A(n) ________________________ circuit connects each object to the cell separately. 

• PARALLEL

• PARACHUTE

• PATTY

• PRETTY

PARALLEL

#20

Multiple Choice

#21 - OUTLINE

A parallel circuit still works when a part is removed because there is still a  ________________ circuit.

• OPEN

• COMPLETE

• INCOMPLETE

• NOT SURE????

COMPLETE

#21

Too much current flowing in a short circuit can cause wires to heat up. Hot wires can start a fire. Too much current can also damage devices.

One device that keeps too much electrical current from flowing through wires is a FUSE. A FUSE has a thin strip of metal in it. ​

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TEXTBOOK pp. 82-83

How Can Circuits in Homes Be Protected?

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​The strip is a RESISTOR, like the filament in a light bulb. If a dangerously high current flows through the fuse, the metal strip heats up. At a certain terperature, it melts. This creates an open circuit.

Most new homes do not have fuses. They are built with CIRCUIT BREAKERS. A circuit breaker is a switch that protects circuits. When a dangerously high current flows through the switch, the metal becomes heated. ​

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TEXTBOOK pp. 82-83

How Can Circuits in Homes Be Protected?

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​The overheated metal in the switch expands. This pushes the switch open. A spring holds the switch open, creating an open circuit. This expansion pushes the switch to the off position.

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TEXTBOOK pp. 82-83

How Can Circuits in Homes Be Protected?

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Multiple Choice

#22 - OUTLINE

 A device that keeps too much electrical current from flowing through wires is called a(n) _______________.

• FUSION

• FUSSY

• FUNNY

• FUSE

FUSE

#22

Multiple Choice

#23 - OUTLINE

A(n) __________________ is a switch that protects circuits. 

• CIRCUIT BREAKER

• CIRCUIT MAKER

• CIRCUIT SHAKER

• CIRCUS PEANUT

CIRCUIT BREAKER

#23

Multiple Choice

A circuit breaker has a ______________ which turns the power off when a dangerous amount of current flows through the circuit.

• fuse

• switch

• door

• box