How does an electric circuit work? An electric circuit is the path electricity follows. For even the simplest electrical device to work, there has to be a complete circuit. Essential requirements 1) a source of electricity 2) materials that conduct electricity (materials that allow electricity to flow through them) These are the most important parts of any electrical circuit, but insulating materials (materials that do not allow electricity to flow through them) are also in a circuit. Their roles are demonstrated _in this simple classroom experiment. Lighting up Diagram 1 This diagram shows an example of a complete circuit made in a classroom experiment. First, the battery, a safe source of electricity, is selected. Then, because metal is known to be a material that conducts electricity, thin wires are chosen. After that, the metal end of one wire makes a secure connection with the metal of the screw in the bulb holder, with its other end touching the positive metal end of the battery (marked +). When that is done, the second wire mirrors the process: the other metal screw and the negative end of the battery (marked -) are connected. Because all these parts are included, the circuit is complete, so the bulb lights up. If just one connection comes loose, the circuit is incomplete, and so the light goes out. Diagram 1Diagram 2 This diagram shows the experiment being repeated, but dispensing with the bulb holder. In order to make the bulb light now, two points of contact on the bulb must be reached: 1) the metal stud at the bottom of the bulb 2) the metal screw thread of the bulb The wires must touch these two places for the bulb to light up. The screw thread and stud are separated by insulating material. Again, both wires and both ends of the battery need to be in place so that a complete circuit is made. Points to remember 1) Electricity flows in a circuit. 2) That circuit is a continuous path. bulb wire screw thread stud Guns) Diagram 2 3) Any break in the circuit interferes with the flow. 4) If the circuit breaks, the electrical device cannot work.