4-5.6 Summarize the functions of the components of complete circuits (including wire, switch, battery, and light bulb).
Electrical Circuit Components
Essential Question: What are the components needed for a complete circuit and what are their functions (including wire, switch, battery, and light bulb)?
Closed Circuits
You know that electricity is the energy of moving electric charges. A flow of electricity is called an electric current.
A circuit is a path through which electric current can flow. You can make a simple circuit like the one shown below. The circuit contains a battery, a metal wire, a light bulb, and a switch. The diagram shows a closed circuit. A closed circuit is a complete path for electricity to follow.
The battery is the source of electricity. Electricity flows out of the battery and into a wire.
The wire is made of metal, which lets electricity flow through it. Many wires are made of the metal copper.
Electricity flows through the wire and into and out of the light bulb, Then, electricity flows through the switch. After that, electricity flows back into the positive end of the battery. As long as the battery holds energy, electric current will move around and around the circuit.
The light bulb is the device that uses the electricity. Electric current flows through a very thin wire in the bulb called the filament. The wire heats up. It gets so hot that it gives off light. The wire changes electricity into light and heat.
You can use symbols to draw a circuit. Look at the diagram below to see these symbols and how they are used to show a complete circuit like the one on this page.
Essential Question: What are the components needed for a complete circuit and what are their functions (including wire, switch, battery, and light bulb)?
Closed Circuits
You know that electricity is the energy of moving electric charges. A flow of electricity is called an electric current.
A circuit is a path through which electric current can flow. You can make a simple circuit like the one shown below. The circuit contains a battery, a metal wire, a light bulb, and a switch. The diagram shows a closed circuit. A closed circuit is a complete path for electricity to follow.
The battery is the source of electricity. Electricity flows out of the battery and into a wire.
The wire is made of metal, which lets electricity flow through it. Many wires are made of the metal copper.
Electricity flows through the wire and into and out of the light bulb, Then, electricity flows through the switch. After that, electricity flows back into the positive end of the battery. As long as the battery holds energy, electric current will move around and around the circuit.
The light bulb is the device that uses the electricity. Electric current flows through a very thin wire in the bulb called the filament. The wire heats up. It gets so hot that it gives off light. The wire changes electricity into light and heat.
You can use symbols to draw a circuit. Look at the diagram below to see these symbols and how they are used to show a complete circuit like the one on this page.
Learning Task #1:
Focus Question: What materials do you need to make a complete circuit? Students look at ways to connect the parts of an electric circuit. Students complete Activity Sheet 1; For circuit configurations that did not work, students explain why on the back. Learning Task #2: What is Inside a Light Bulb? Students study the parts of a bulb and the path of electricity through it. Notebook Entry: How is lighting a large, household bulb similar to lighting a small bulb? How is it different? Formative Assessment Exit Slip: What materials do you need to make a complete circuit? Graphic Organizer |
Resources:
ABDO e-Book: ● Electricity in the Real World, pgs. 19-21 Discovery Education: ● Switches and Circuits Video Segment |