Download Electricity

Electricity
OA3.1
Understandin
g electricity
and
magnetism
Electricity
Warm Up
1. What is an electrical
insulator? List an
example.
2. What is an electrical
conductor? List an
example.
3. True or False: “A
positive object gained
electrons.”
Vocab word
1. Circuit
(means circular)
Definition
An unbroken,
circular path
where
electricity flows
Includes a source
of energy – such
as a battery
Picture
Vocab word
Definition
2. Closed
circuit
A circuit with a
switch that is
turned on.
There is no gap in
the circuit and
electricity can
flows
Picture
This closed
electrical
circuit
connects a
battery to a
light.
Vocab word
3. Open
circuit
Definition
A circuit with a
switch that is
turned off (or is
open).
There is a gap in the
circuit and
electricity can’t
flow
The circuit is OFF.
Picture
Open circuit
Switch that is open….electricity will not
flow to light
Vocab word
4. Series
circuit
Definition
A circuit that has
only one path for
the current.
If the circuit
breaks, all
devices using
the circuit will
fail.
Picture
series circuit…one
path for electricity!
Vocab word
5. Parallel
circuit
Definition
A circuit that has
more than one
path for the
current.
If the circuit is
broken the current
may pass through
other pathways
and other devices
will continue to
work.
Picture
Parallel circuit: multiple pathways for
electricity!
Vocab word
6. Fuse
Definition
A weak link in an
electrical circuit
– will break the
circuit if there is
too much
electricity
Helps prevent
circuit from
having too much
electricity (which
can start fires)
Picture
Fuse box
How is household wiring arranged?
Most household wiring is logically designed with a
combination of parallel circuits. Electrical energy enters
the home usually at a breaker box or fuse box and
distributes the electricity through multiple circuits. A
breaker box or fuse box is a safety feature which will
open
Closure questions :
1. What shape do all circuits have?
2. What does a switch do?
3. Is the circuit below a closed or open circuit?
Why?