Open/Closed, Series/Parallel Circuits

This circuit is...?

• open

• parallel

• closed

• The cutest little circuit evah!

Answer explanation

The circuit is open because there is a break in the path, preventing current from flowing. In contrast, a closed circuit allows current to flow, while a parallel circuit has multiple paths for current. Thus, the correct answer is open.

A light bulb glows only in a

• closed circuit

• open circuit

• open circuit if bulb is not fused

• in both circuits

Answer explanation

A light bulb glows only in a closed circuit because it requires a complete path for electric current to flow. In an open circuit, the path is broken, preventing the flow of electricity and thus the bulb does not light up.

A fifth-grade class constructed this circuit. Which of these objects most likely made the light glow when connected to points X and Y?

• plastic straw

• cotton string

• aluminum foil

• rubber eraser

Answer explanation

Aluminum foil is a good conductor of electricity, allowing current to flow and making the light glow. In contrast, a plastic straw, cotton string, and rubber eraser are insulators and would not complete the circuit.

Tags

NGSS.4-PS3-2

What kind of circuit is this?

• Open Circuit

• Closed Circuit

Answer explanation

A closed circuit allows current to flow continuously, completing the path for electricity. In contrast, an open circuit breaks this path, preventing current flow. Therefore, this circuit is a closed circuit.

What kind of circuit is this?

• Open Circuit

• Closed Circuit

Answer explanation

An open circuit is one where the path for current flow is broken, preventing electricity from flowing. Since the correct answer is 'Open Circuit', it indicates that the circuit is incomplete.

An incomplete circuit is shown.
To complete the circuit, a wire should be placed from:

• Point D to Point C

• Point B to Point C

• Point A to Point D

• Point B to Point D

Answer explanation

To complete the circuit, a wire must connect Point A to Point D, allowing current to flow through the circuit. This connection closes the loop, enabling the circuit to function properly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

What kind of circuit is this?

• series

• parallel

Answer explanation

The circuit is a series circuit because the components are connected end-to-end, allowing current to flow through each component sequentially. In a series circuit, the same current flows through all parts, confirming the correct choice.

The picture shows an electrical circuit. This circuit is a series circuit because: 

• It has 3 light bulbs.

• The same current flows through all three light bulbs.

• It uses a single battery.

• The electrical current is divided between the three light bulbs.

Answer explanation

This circuit is a series circuit because the same current flows through all three light bulbs. In a series circuit, the current is constant and does not divide among components.

What kind of circuit is this?

• Series

• Parallel

Answer explanation

This circuit is a series circuit because the components are connected end-to-end, allowing current to flow through each component sequentially. In a series circuit, if one component fails, the entire circuit is interrupted.

This circuit has more than one loop. When one light goes out, the others stay on. 

• closed circuit

• series circuit

• parallel circuit

• open circuit

Answer explanation

A parallel circuit allows multiple paths for current. When one light goes out, the others remain lit because each light operates independently. This is unlike a series circuit, where all lights would go out if one fails.