Electricity and Circuits
Electrical circuits carry electric current through a closed loop of conductors, powering devices such as lights, motors, and buzzers.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
A circuit must form a complete, unbroken loop for electricity to flow; any gap stops the current
Components in a series circuit are connected in a single loop; removing one component breaks the whole circuit
Components in a parallel circuit are connected on separate branches; one branch can fail without stopping others
Conductors (e.g. copper wire) allow electricity to flow; insulators (e.g. rubber) block the flow
Key Vocabulary
Circuit
A closed loop through which electric current can flow
Conductor
A material that allows electricity to flow through it easily (e.g. copper, aluminium)
Insulator
A material that does not allow electricity to flow (e.g. rubber, plastic, wood)
Series circuit
A circuit where components are connected in a single, continuous loop
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
A circuit has a battery, three bulbs connected in a row, and wires forming a single loop. One bulb blows. What happens?
Question 2
Which material is the best conductor of electricity?
Question 3
Why does adding more batteries to a circuit usually make a bulb glow brighter?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A circuit must form a complete, unbroken loop for electricity to flow; any gap stops the current
- ●Components in a series circuit are connected in a single loop; removing one component breaks the whole circuit
- ●Components in a parallel circuit are connected on separate branches; one branch can fail without stopping others
- ●Conductors (e.g. copper wire) allow electricity to flow; insulators (e.g. rubber) block the flow