Download 17.4 Electric Circuits CIRCUIT: closed pathway where the start and

17.4 Electric Circuits
CIRCUIT: closed pathway where the start and end points are the same, complete path for electric
charge to flow, includes load wire energy source
SWITCH: opens and closes circuit
In a closed circuit energy flows and in an open circuit energy doesn’t flow
Any electrical device is called a “load”
SERIES CIRCUIT: all parts connected in a single loop, as you add loads the resistance increases so
the current decreases for each item, if there is a break in the circuit no energy flows
PARALLEL CIRCUIT: loads are connected side by side, all loads receive the same voltage, if there
is a break energy continues to flow
Standard voltage in a US home is 120 volts
Broken wires or water can cause a short circuit
CIRCUIT BREAKER is a switch that automatically opens if the current is too high
SAFETY around electricity includes materials in good condition, not overloading circuits, keeping
electricity away from water and not putting anything into outlets