Download Series Circuit

Electric Currents
In this activity you will:


In this activity you will learn about two
types of circuits.
You will write a paragraph comparing
and contrasting circuits.
Electric Currents
An electric current is a flow
of electric charges.
A circuit is the path that is
made for an electric
current.
Series Circuit

A circuit that only
has one path for
current to flow
through is called a
series circuit.
Series Circuit
If the path
is broken,
no current
flows
through
the circuit.
Series Current is NOT
a good idea for
Christmas tree lights.
One bulb blows and
they all blow out.
Parallel Circuits

A type of circuit that has more
than one path for current is
called a parallel circuit.
Parallel Circuits
If one part of
the path is
removed, the
current
continues to
flow through
the other paths
of the circuit.
In a parallel circuit, if
something blocks the
charges on one path, the
charges can keep flowing
on the next path.
Types of Circuits

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The two types of circuits are called open
circuit and closed circuit.
In order for electric current to flow, the
circuit must be CLOSED!
A switch controls the opening and closing
of a circuit. Example: flashlight
Resistance


How much material opposes, or resists, the
flow of electric current. Resistance causes the
flow of electricity to slow down.
The electric current in a circuit is like traffic on
a road. If the road has a lot of lanes, traffic
can move easily. What happens if the road
goes to just one lane? The traffic slows down.
Resistance

A wire’s
thickness and
length affect
it’s resistance.
Filament- The
thin wire that
resist the flow
of electricity.
Short Circuit



When an electric current tries to take a short cut, or
flow where it is not wanted is called a Short Circuit.
When a short circuit happens the circuit stops
working.
The cord going to a lamp has two wires that are
covered in plastic to keep them from touching. What
happens if the plastic breaks and the wires touch? A
short circuit.
Short Circuit safety
devices:
FuseA fuse will melt if it
gets to hot, a short
circuit will cause the
fuse to get to hot
and melt and the
circuit is broken.
No damage is done.
Model a Series and a
Parallel Circuit

Use a line of several students to represent a wire.
Use two or more balls to represent current.

Arrange the “wire” to represent a series circuit.

Move “current” through the circuit.

What happens if the wire “breaks?”

Repeat to model a parallel circuit.

Compare and contrast the two models.
In-Class/ Homework
Assignment

Interactive
Text:
pages 70-77