13

Electricity and Circuits

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge to be gained: •Sources of electricity •Electrical components and circuits •Structure of

electric bulb and electric torch •Electric conductors and insulators
Skill to be developed: •Safe handling of electrical components.
Attitudes to be inculcated: •Importance of electricity •Hazards of playing with electricity

ELECTRICITY of our life. It will be unjust if we remain

What will happen if all the electric power
plants of the world shut down? You are
probably thinking that no books will be
printed and you will be relieved of your
studies! But then remember, there will also
be no telephone, computer, television,
fridge, AC, fan, cooler, heater, geyser, audio
or video entertainment and so on. We have
become so used to the modern lifestyle that it
is difficult even to imagine a life without
electricity. We use electricity to run many
appliances in our day-to-day life.
Electricity has become an unavoidable part
Electricity and Circuits
ignorant about it. In this chapter, we are
going to learn some basic facts about
electricity.
Electricity (Electric current) is the ow of
electric energy in an electric circuit.
SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY
A device that is used to produce electric
current is called a source of electricity.
Common sources of electric current are cells
and batteries. Apart from them, electricity at
large-scale is generated at hydro-power
plants, nuclear power plants and thermal
power plants.
177

Knowledge Booster
The first- ever source of con nuous flow of
electricity was a cell, made by an Italian scien st
Alessandro Volta. The cell devised by him was
called a voltaic cell a er his name.
Today, the journey of a cell has given us a
variety of cells, of which the most commonly
used are—dry cells, button cells, solar cells
and storage cells.
Fig.1 Solar cells
Dry Cell or Electric Cell
A dry cell produces a small amount of
electricity. It was developed in 1886 by a
German scientist Carl Gassner. ere are
several chemicals present in an electric cell,
which react with each other to produce
electricity.
You would have seen an electric cell
(commonly referred to as battery) in your
house. It is used to run various electric
appliances like wall-clock, torch and TV
remote.
If you notice a dry cell, you would nd two
terminals, one with a ‘+’ mark and the other
with a ‘–’ mark. When a wire is connected to
both the terminals (+ ve and – ve),
electricity starts owing between the two
terminals through the wire.
178 Exploring Science-6
Metal cap (+ ve terminal)
Pitch seal
Carbon rod
Leakproof cover
Zinc container
Metal disc (-ve terminal)
Fig.2 An electric cell
Dry Cell
Fig.3 Electric circuit showing ow of electric current
Over the time, when all the chemicals present
inside the cell get used up, the cell stops
providing electric current and is called a dead
cell. Once dead, the cell cannot be used again
and has to be replaced with a new one.
Battery
e combination of two or more cells is
called a battery. e correct way of
arrangement of cells is shown in Fig.4.
Fig.4 Correct combination of cells to make a battery
ELECTRIC BULB
An electric bulb is one of the simplest
electrical devices. Let us know more about it.
 Activity-1
Remove a bulb from a torch. Every electrical
device has two terminals. e two terminals of
the bulb are shown in the gure. One of the
terminals can be seen as a black spot at the
bottom of the bulb, and the other is the metal
ring structure which is placed above it.
Whenever the bulb is to be used, both of its
terminals should be properly connected to the
two terminals of the cell.
metal wires which provide electrical contact
and support to the lament. Inside the neck of
the bulb, one of the thicker wires is connected to
the black spot at the bottom, and the other one is
connected to the metal ring of the bulb.
While manufacturing a bulb, care is taken so
that its two terminals do not touch each
other.
Glass bulb Filament

Filament

ick wire

Support

Metal container
(one end of the
Terminals lament is
connected to this
container which
Fig.5 An electric bulb Insulator separates both acts as a terminal)
the terminals from
Reconnect the bulb with the torch. Switch on the touching each other Metal tip
(this end acts as the
torch. Observe which part of the bulb is glowing. other terminal)
Switch off the torch and remove the bulb again.
Fig.6 Structure of an electric bulb
Carefully look inside the bulb. Notice the shape
of the part of the bulb which glows. is is a
Knowledge Booster
spring-like structure, made up of a very thin
1. Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor,
metal wire. e spring-like structure is known as
invented the first electric bulb in 1879.
the lament of the bulb. 2. The filaments of bulbs are made up of a metal
e lament is xed between two thicker straight called tungsten. This metal does not melt,
even when the filament glows at a very high
Checkpoint-1 temperature.

Write True or False

1. e rst-ever cell was made by an Italian scientist. ____________
2. e spring-like structure of a bulb is called the lament. ____________
3. e rst electric bulb was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. ____________

Electricity and Circuits 179

How to Connect a Bulb to an Electric Cell
How about making and using a homemade
electric circuit to light an electric bulb? Let
us learn how to do it by an activity.
Activity-2
Take 4 small length electric wires. Scrape
about 3-4 cm of plastic covering from both
ends of each wire, so that the metal wires are
exposed at the ends. Now, rub the exposed
ends of metal wires with a piece of sandpaper.
Take a torch bulb and x one metal end of
each of two electric wires to the terminals of
the bulb, as shown in Fig.7(a). Use
electrician's tape to x the wires. Now, you
have two free metal ends le. Wrap one of the
free metal ends to one leg of the aluminum
clip, as shown in Fig.7(b).
Now, take the other two wires and connect
one metal end of each of them to the two
terminals of the cell and wrap around with the
electrician's tape, as shown in the gure.
Again, we have two free metal ends of two
wires.
Electric wires xed to
the terminals of a bulb
Electric wires xed to
the terminals of a cell
Fig.7 (a)
180
Join the free metal end of one of the wires
attached to the bulb with one of the free ends
of a wire with the cell by twisting the two ends
together.
Your torch is ready to work. As soon as you
connect the only free metal end le with the
aluminium clip, the bulb will glow.
All wires connect to enable
ow of electric current
A switch used to open
or close the circuit
Fig.7 (b)
Here, the aluminium clip is working as a
switch. You can put your bulb on or off any
time just by connecting or disconnecting the
free end with the clip.
Electric Switch
A switch (present on the electric board) is
generally used to start or stop an electrical
device. In our classroom, we need to put the
switch ‘on’ in order to start the fan and
electric tube. At the end of the day, before
leaving, you should switch ‘off ’ all electrical
devices.
An electric switch is a device which can
start or stop the working of an electrical
device, without disturbing its connections.
at means, an electric switch is used to
open or close an electric circuit.
Exploring Science-6
 Open Closed
circuit Circuit

Fig.8 Different types of electric switches Fig.9 An electric circuit with a switch

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT device, it is called a closed switch. e

When electric components are arranged in
such a way that a path is created for the
continuous ow of electricity, it is called an
electric circuit.
To have an electrical device working, the
electric current should ow through it for
as long as you desire it to work. Normally,
the source of electric current, i.e., the mains
or the electric cell, is connected to the device
through electric wires. An electric switch is
also introduced in the connecting wires so
that the device could be put on or off as
desired. us, we need a device, a source of
current (cell or mains) and a switch to be
properly connected through electric wires.
switch in its disconnected state is called an
open switch.
(a) (b)
(a) Open switch (b) Closed switch
Fig.10
To represent a circuit on a diagram, electric
wires are shown by simple lines where a
switch is represented as follows:
A simple circuit diagram to show the
connection of a bulb can be shown as
follows:
u A circuit with a gap in the connection
between the terminals of the battery is
called an open circuit.
u A circuit with no gap in the

e proper connections allow the electric connection between the terminals of

current to ow through the device via the battery is called a closed circuit.
connecting wires for as long as the device has
to function. e arrangement of a device, a
source of current, a switch and wires is an
example of an electric circuit.
When the two ends (terminals) of the (a) Open circuit (b) Closed circuit
switch are connected to switch on the
Fig.11 Circuit diagram
Electricity and Circuits 181
In every closed circuit, the electric current
ows from the positive terminal of the cell
towards its negative terminal via the other
components of the circuit. e direction of
the ow of current is represented by arrows
marked on the connecting wires, as shown in
the gure Fig.11(b) representing a closed
circuit.
Fused Bulb
Sometimes, the lament of a bulb may get
disconnected; burnt or broken. e bulb in
this state is called a fused bulb. A fused bulb
does not glow, even while connected to a
circuit. is is because the broken lament
causes a discontinuation in the path of ow
of electric current and the current stops
owing through the bulb.
e breaking of the lament causes a closed
circuit to break. Since electricity cannot ow
through a broken circuit, a circuit with a
fused bulb doesn't produce any light.
Moreover, any other cause to discontinue the
Slide switch
Open circuit
(gap)
Transparent
glass sheet
+ - +
Re ector
Bulb
Fig.12 Structure of a torch (Off position)
182 Exploring Science-6
ow of current through the circuit will also
put the bulb off.
WHAT IS INSIDE A TORCH
A torch is a simple electric circuit with electric
cells, a bulb and a switch. When the switch is
in 'on' position, the circuit is closed and the
bulb starts glowing. A small curved mirror,
called re ector, is behind the bulb. It re ects
and focuses the light of the bulb.
ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS AND
INSULATORS
Not all materials present around us allow the
electric current to ow through them.
Materials which allow the ow of electric
current through them are called
conductors of electricity or electric
conductors. Almost all metals are good
conductors of electricity, e.g., gold, silver,
copper, aluminium, etc. is is why, we use
metal wires for making electric circuits.
Silver is the best conductor of electricity.
(off)
Metal strip
-
Plastic case
Dry cells
Materials which do not allow the ow of
electric current through them are called
bad conductors of electricity or insulators.
For example, paper, plastic, cotton, rubber,
etc.
Activity-3
Let us check some materials around us to nd
out whether they are conductors or
insulators.
Take a bulb, a dry cell, connecting wires, a
piece of cardboard (of the size of a big
notebook) and two nails or screws. Collect a
few objects to be tested, like a sewing needle,
hair pins, ice-cream spoon, metal spoon,
eraser, matchstick, etc.
Connect the bulb, the dry cell and two nails
with the help of connecting wires and place
them on the cardboard piece. Fix the two nails
at a gap of 2 cm between them, as shown in the
gure. You have prepared the conductor
insulator tester. Pick an object whose
conductivity is to be tested.
Fig.13 Testing for conduction
Electricity and Circuits
Keep it on the nails in such a manner that the
object touches both the nails simultaneously.
If the bulb glows, it shows that the object is a
good conductor of electricity, and if the bulb
does not glow, it shows that the object is an
insulator. Test all the objects for their
conductivity one by one.
Knowledge Booster
1. The Earth itself is a conductor of electricity.
This property of the Earth is used to drain any
leakage of electric current from electric
devices. This process is called earthing.
2. There are some materials present on the
Earth which are neither conductors nor
insulators. They are called semiconductors.
The base of modern electronic technology is
semiconductors, which are used in all
electronic devices.
3. The human body is a good conductor of
electricity. That is why, it is very easy for our
body to receive electric shocks.
Applications of Electric Conductors and
Insulators
Conductors and insulators are very important
to us. Based on their properties, they are
extensively used in electrical devices and
circuits. Some of their uses are as follows:
u Metals, which are good conductors, are
used for making electric wires, switches,
plugs, sockets and inner parts of
electrical devices.
u Insulators, like rubber and plastics, are
used to cover electric wires, so that naked
wires may not give an electric shock to
the user.
183
u Electricians use rubber (insulator) gloves
while working to safeguard themselves
from electric shocks.
u All electrical appliances and tools have
their handles coated with insulating
materials like rubber or plastic to prevent
accidents.
u Industries and factories use electrical
machines which use heavy currents for
their functioning. e workers who
operate or handle these machines are
provided with thick foot mats of insulating
materials to stand upon and work.
CAUTION WITH ELECTRICITY
Although electricity is a very useful source
of energy, it can also be very dangerous.
Electric current is a very dangerous energy.
Although the electrical devices used at
homes, in offices and factories are designed
in such a way that the safety of the consumer
is ensured, even then you have to be very
alert while using an electrical device.
Accidents or mis-happenings can occur
without any warning. A careless attitude
with electricity can result in serious injuries,
permanent disability or even death.
Insulated wires Electrician’s gloves
Fig.14 Insulation covering on various objects
184
If electrical wires and electrical appliances
are handled carelessly, a person may get
electric shock, which may cause severe burns
or even death.
You should strictly abide by the following
precautions while handling electrical
appliances:
u Never play with sockets or electric wires.
u Never touch an electric switch, plug or
device with wet hands.
u If you need to operate an electric iron or
an electric juicer, be sure that you wear
dry rubber slippers or stand on a dry
wooden or plastic base.
u Never switch on or off a geyser while
being barefeet, especially, if the oor of
the bathroom is wet.
u In case of a short circuit or a spark in a
switch, put it off immediately with the
help of a plastic or wooden stick.
u In case of a re in electric wires, never use
water to extinguish it. In such a situation,
rst switch off the mains, then use dry
sand to extinguish the re.
Pliers
Fig.15 Burn due to
electric shock
Exploring Science-6
Checkpoint-2
Fill in the blanks
1. e switch in its disconnected state is called an ______________ switch.
2. A ______________ bulb does not glow.
3. A ______________ is a simple device with electric cells, a bulb and a switch.
4. e human body is a good conductor of ______________.
5. ______________ and ______________ are insulators.

Keywords
Electric current : Flow of electric energy.
Electric cell : A source of stored electric energy.
Battery : The combination of two or more cells.
Electric circuit : A closed path for electric current to ow through an electric device.
Filament : A coiled structure made of thin metal wire which is the glowing part in a
bulb.
Conductor : A material that allows the ow of electric current through it.
Insulator : A material that does not allow the ow of electric current through it.

Points to Remember
u Electric current is the ow of electric energy in an electric circuit.
u A device that is used to produce electric current is called a source of electricity.
u e dry cell was developed in 1886 by a German Scientist, Carl Gassner.
u e combination of two or more cells is called a battery.
u An electric bulb consists of a lament connected to two terminals, enclosed in a glass dome.
e lament glows when electric current passes through it.
u An electric switch is a device which can start or stop the working of an electrical appliance
without disturbing its connections.
u A circuit with an open switch is called an open circuit.
u A circuit with a closed switch is called a closed circuit.
u Materials which allow the ow of electric current through them are called conductors of
electricity.
u Materials which do not allow electricity to ow through them are called bad conductors of
electricity or insulators.

Electricity and Circuits 185

 Exercise
A. Tick (3) the Correct Option
1. A dry cell is a device which converts:
(a) Chemical energy into electrical energy (b) Electrical energy into light energy
(c) Solar energy into electrical energy (d) None of these
2. How many terminals are there in a dry cell?
(a) One (b) Two
(c) ree (d) Either two or three
3. e combination of two or more cells is called a _____________.
(a) battery (b) bulb
(c) lament (d) circuit
4. A circuit with an open switch is called _____________ circuit.
(a) open (b) close
(c) dead (d) working
5. Which of the following is good conductor of electricity?
(a) Paper (b) Plastic
(c) Silver (d) Rubber
B. Fill in the Blanks with a Suitable Word
1. _____________ is a ow of electric energy in an electric circuit.
2. e switch in its disconnected state is called an _____________ switch.
3. e _____________ of bulbs are made up of a metal called tungsten.
4. If the lament of a bulb breaks, the bulb is said to be _____________.
C. Very Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. What do you mean by a source of electricity?
2. Who invented the dry cell?
3. What is a battery?
4. What is the function of an electric switch?
5. In a closed circuit, the current ows from the positive terminal (+) to the negative
terminal (-). True or False?
6. Give some examples of good conductors of electricity.

186 Exploring Science-6

D. Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. Differentiate between a closed switch and an open switch, with the help of a diagram.
2. Differentiate between an open circuit and a closed circuit.
3. When do we say a bulb is fused?
4. What is a re ector in a torch?
5. Why do we use metal wires to make electric circuits?
6. What are electric conductors and insulators? Give examples.
E. Long-Answer-Type Questions
1. Write a brief note on dry cell, along with a diagram showing its structure.
2. What is meant by an electric circuit? With the help of a circuit diagram, show how a simple
closed circuit works.
3. Describe the structure and functioning of a torch with a well-labelled diagram.
4. Mention the day-to-day applications of electric conductors and electric insulators.
5. What precautions should you take while handling various electrical appliances?

HOTS
1. Why do the electrical appliances and tools have their handles covered with insulating
materials?
2. Why should we wear rubber-soled shoes while operating electrical appliances?

Activity Zone
Project Work
Who invented the rst electric bulb? With the help of your
parents, research about the inventor of electric bulb. Find
out about his struggles and achievements. Make a detailed
chart depicting his life’s works, struggles and achievements.
Also, try to nd out his other inventions and contribution to
science.

e-Resources
Please visit the link given below or scan the QR code for more resources on
this Chapter:
https://www.megamindpublication.com/s-1-science/b-1-exploring-science-6/c-22/electricity-and-circuits.html

Electricity and Circuits 187