A Simple Circuit

The first electric circuit was invented by Alessandro Volta (1745-1847) in 1800.
He discovered he could produce a steady flow of electricity using bowls of salt solution
connected by metal strips.
An electric circuit is the path through which an electric current flows. When
current flows in a circuit, electrical energy can do useful work. A simple circuit has basic
parts: (1) source of electric energy, such as a battery or generator; (2) an output
device, such as a motor or lamp; and (3) a conductor or connection between the
source and the output device, such as a wire or cable, and (4) switch.
Closed circuit is a complete electrical circuit through which current can flow
when a voltage is applied. Electricity flows from the negative to the positive terminal of
the dry cell.
An open circuit is an incomplete circuit. Electricity does nor flow in this kind of
circuit because there is a gap or no complete path from one end of the circuit to the
other end.
So what makes a circuit open? The switches that you see around our homes are
electrical components that can make the circuits of the lights in our homes open or
closed. So to turn on the lights, you have to close the circuit by pushing the switch on.
To turn off the lights, you have to open the circuit again by pushing the switch off.
Other than switches, other causes of gaps or breaks in an open circuit include
drained, rusty, or mispositioned batteries wherein similar ends are connected; busted
bulb; and misplaced bulb.
 Group 1

Activity Sheet

Constructing a model of a simple circuit

Materials:
 2 batteries 1.5 v
 electrical tape
 socket
 1 flashlight bulb/LED light
 two 25 cm. insulated wire with end scrapped
 switch
 1/8 size illustration board
 scissors

Procedure:
1. On the illustration board, arrange a circuit to light a bulb.
2. Screw the bulb into a socket. Connect a copper wire to each of the socket
terminals.
3. Connect a piece of copper wire to the switch. Connect the loose end of the wire
to the negative end of the battery.
4. Connect one end of the copper wire by winding it (which is attached to the
socket) to the positive end of the battery.
5. Connect the other end of the socket to the switch.
6. Fasten the wires, batteries, and bulb into the illustration using the tape to secure
the circuit and connections.
7. Close the open parts of the switch.
8. Switch it on and observe.
9. Switch it off and observe.

Answer these:

1. How did you construct your simple circuit?

2. Describe the connections that made the bulb light up.
3. What components are needed to make an electric circuit work?
4. Where does the current come from?
5. How did the current reach the bulb from the battery in order to deliver the needed
power?
6. How does a switch function?
7. What do you call the circuit which has a switch that is turned on? an open circuit
or a close circuit?