Let’s Explore Electric Circuits!

 Hi Young Scientists!

Today’s lesson is all about electric circuits — the paths that electricity travels through to power things like lights, phones, and toys.

Here are some important things to know about circuits:

1. WHAT IS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT?

A circuit is a path through which electricity circulates. It's like a big loop. As electricity moves or flows, it can light a light bulb, run a fan, or heat your toaster. Let's look at the parts of a circuit to better understand how it works.

2. PARTS OF ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

Circuits have different parts. The source of the electrical current can come through a plug in an electrical outlet or from a battery.

The elements are connected together by wires.

Circuits have switches. A switch controls the flow of current through the circuit. When the switch is up, the metal inside is not touching the surrounding wires. The circuit is open and electricity DOES NOT FLOW. When the switch is down, the metal connects to the other parts of the circuit. The circuit is closed and electricity FLOWS.

And, of course, a circuit has an object or appliance that uses electrical energy. It can produce light, noise, or even run a motor (light bulb, buzzer, fan, etc.)

All parts need to work together to transform electrical energy into a different kind of energy (mechanical, light, thermal, sound). If any one part is removed, the circuit will be open, and electric current won’t flow. PEGAR ANCHOR CHART ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

3. TYPES OF ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS:

- Series circuit: The parts are connected ONE BEHIND ANOTHER. The energy is divided between the devices.

- Parallel circuits are those whose elements are connected through two common points. The energy is NOT divided between the components.