Circuits

What part of a circuit stops the current if it is open?

• Wire

• Switch

• Battery

• Light bulb

Answer explanation

A switch is a device in a circuit that can open or close the path for current. When the switch is open, it stops the current from flowing, making it the correct answer.

The wires connecting the switches, light bulbs, and buzzers must start and end at the power source before the circuit can work. The ______ can interrupt the current as it travels through the circuit.

• Battery

• Light bulb

• Switch

• Wire

Answer explanation

The switch can interrupt the current flow in a circuit, allowing control over whether the circuit is open or closed. This is essential for turning devices like light bulbs and buzzers on or off.

Jackson wants to make an electric circuit. He has a light bulb, wire, and a battery. What is the purpose of the battery?

• It is the conductor.

• It provides the light.

• It is the energy source.

• It turns the bulb on and off.

Answer explanation

The battery serves as the energy source in the circuit, providing the necessary power for the light bulb to illuminate. Without the battery, the circuit would not function.

Tags

NGSS.4-PS3-2

Which diagram represents a complete electric circuit that will make the bulb glow?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.4-PS3-2

Lee thinks that she has a break in her circuit because her light bulb will not glow. She thinks that a break can only be at the beginning of the circuit. Dan knows that she is wrong. He tells her that a break can be

• Inside the battery.

• Outside of the circuit.

• Next to the light bulb.

• Anywhere in the circuit.

Answer explanation

A break in a circuit can occur anywhere, not just at the beginning. This means it can be inside the battery, next to the light bulb, or anywhere along the circuit path, which is why the correct answer is 'Anywhere in the circuit.'

Look at the two circuit diagrams below. In the circuit on the left, the light bulb is lit up. In the circuit on the right, the light bulb is not lit up. Why is the light bulb on the right not lit up?

• The circuit is missing a switch.

• The filament is broken, so the circuit is closed.

• The circuit needs more batteries.

• The filament is broken, so the circuit is not a complete loop.

Answer explanation

The light bulb on the right is not lit because the filament is broken, which prevents the circuit from forming a complete loop. Without a complete loop, electricity cannot flow to light the bulb.

Tags

NGSS.3-PS2-3

Match the following components of a circuit to their function: the electrical path; conductor

e

f

g

h

Battery

Wire

object being turned on and off

Light bulb

The electrical path/conductor

Power source

Switch

Open and closes the circuit

Match the following components of a circuit to their function: a power source; chemical energy

• switch

• a power source; chemical energy

• battery

• the electrical path; conductor

• wire

• opens and closes circuit

• light

• the load or resistance

Match the following components of a circuit to their function: opens and closes circuit

• Wire

• Battery

• Switch

• Light bulb

Answer explanation

The switch is the component that opens and closes the circuit, allowing or stopping the flow of electricity. Unlike the wire, battery, or light bulb, the switch specifically controls the circuit's connectivity.

Match the following components of a circuit to their function: the load or resistance

• Wire

• Battery

• Switch

• Light bulb

Answer explanation

The light bulb acts as the load or resistance in a circuit, converting electrical energy into light and heat. The other components, like the wire, battery, and switch, serve different functions such as conducting electricity, providing power, and controlling the flow.