Electric Circuits

After reading the passage, answer the questions.

A circuit is a complete path where electricity can flow. A basic circuit is

made up of a power source such as a battery, a device that will use the power
such as a buzzer or a light bulb, and wires to connect them. Electricity moves
inside the wires and its flowing movement is called an electric current. Electric
current flows only when there is a path to follow. The battery provides the
energy which helps electrons to flow. Voltage is the name for the electric force
that causes electrons to flow.

Many circuits also have a switch so that you can turn them on or off. When
the switch is off, it makes a gap in the circuit and the current will stop flowing.
We call it an open circuit when there is a gap in the circuit because the path is
not complete. When you turn on the switch, it closes the gap and the electrons
are able to move and make the device work. We call it a closed circuit when the
gap is closed because all of the wires are attached and there is a path to follow.

1. What is a circuit?

2. Draw three things a basic circuit is made up of.

1. 2. 3.

3. What is the flowing movement of electricity called?

4. What provides the energy which helps electrons to flow?

5. True or False. Electric current flows only when it is a closed circuit.

6. Is the switch on or off when there is no gap in the circuit?

7. What is the circuit called when there is a gap in the circuit?

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 Circuit Diagram Symbols
1. Write the name of each circuit symbol.

Symbol Name

2. Draw the circuit using symbols.

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 Electrical Circuits: Vocabulary
Electrical Circuit: the path in which electric current flows

Electric Current: the movement of electricity which flows

through a circuit along a wire

Open Circuit: a circuit that is incomplete and where current

does not flow

Closed Circuit: a circuit that is complete and where current

flows

Switch: a device that can complete or break a the connection

of an electric circuit

Series Circuit: a circuit in which the electric current follows

one path

Parallel Circuit: a circuit in which the electric current follows

two or more paths

Conductors: materials that let electricity pass through them

easily

Insulators: materials that do not allow electricity to pass

through them

Electron: A particle with a negative charge

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 Name: ____________________________

Electrical Circuits Vocab Match

Match each word to its definition. Write the correct letter in the space provided.

1. Electrical Circuit
A materials that let electricity pass through them easily

2. Open Circuit
B a circuit that is complete and where current flows

3. Closed Circuit C a device that can complete or break a the connection

of an electric circuit

4. Electric Current D the path in which electric current flows

5. Series Circuit
E a circuit in which the electric current follows two or
more paths

6. Parallel Circuit
F A particle with a negative charge

G a circuit that is incomplete and where current does not

flow
7. Switch

h the movement of electricity which flows through a

circuit along a wire
8. Conductors

i a circuit in which the electric current follows one path

9. Insulators
materials that do not allow electricity to pass through
10. Electron
j them

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