Simple Electric Circuit

What is an electric circuit? It is a _____.

• collection of electrical equipment

• path around which electricity flows

• series of conductors and insulators

• light bulb and battery

Answer explanation

(REFER TO CONCEPT NOTES 4)

An electric circuit is a CLOSED OR COMPLETE PATH around which an electric current travels on. 

Which component of a simple circuit supplies/provides electrical energy?

• source

• load

• wire

• switch

Answer explanation

(REFER TO CONCEPT NOTES 4)

An ENERGY SOURCE supplies electrical energy to a closed circuit. In the picture, the battery acts as the energy source.

Why do wires allow current to flow through a circuit? (Choose the BEST answer.)

• Their ends are at the positive and negative poles of the battery.

• They connect the battery to the light bulb.

• They close the gap in the electrical circuit.

• Their material is a conductor of electricity.

Answer explanation

(REFER TO CONCEPT NOTES 4)

The wires are often MADE OF METALS like copper. Copper conducts heat and electricity well. This lets electric current move through a circuit.

Which component of a simple circuit uses the electrical energy and converts it to another form of energy (Ex. electrical energy --> light energy)?

• switch

• wires

• load/appliance

• source

Answer explanation

(REFER TO CONCEPT NOTES 4)

Electricity powers the LOAD/APPLIANCE in a circuit. The load/appliance CONVERTS electricity into another form of energy. For example, a light bulb is a device that produces light from electricity. Light bulbs TURN THE ELECTRICITY TO LIGHT.

Which component of a simple circuit closes and opens a circuit?

• switch

• load/appliance

• conducting wire

• energy source

Answer explanation

(REFER TO CONCEPT NOTES 4)

A SWITCH is added to a circuit to CONTROL THE FLOW of electrical charges. It CLOSES/OPENS a circuit.