Download Simple Electric Circuits

Simple Electric Circuits
Electricity is the flow of electrons, and they can flow through conductors
but not through insulators. Metals are good conductors of electricity.
In order for electricity to flow we need to make a complete circuit. If we
have a complete circuit the electrons can flow through our conductor.
In the box below draw the symbol for each of the components. Then write
down what each component does (you might want to wait until you have seen
them functioning in your own circuit)
Component
Symbol
Function
Cell
Supplies electrical energy
Battery (2+ cells)
Supplies electrical energy
(more than 1 cell)
Bulb
Converts electrical energy
into light energy
Switch
Completes or breaks circuit,
allowing or stopping current
from flowing
Resistor
Restricts the flow of current
Variable resistor
Precisely controls how much
current can pass through
Motor
Converts electrical energy
into kinetic (movement)
energy
Ammeter
Measures the current within
the circuit
Voltmeter
Measures the voltage within
the circuit
Fuse
A safety device which will
‘blow’ if the current passing
it exceeds a given limit
Buzzer
Converts electrical energy
into sound energy
We say that the flow of electrons in our circuit is called the current.
The resistance in a circuit is a way of saying how difficult it is for the
electricity to flow.
A high resistance = hard for the electricity to flow
A low resistance = easier for the electricity to flow