Circuits

Series vs. Parallel

Vocabulary

• Circuit• Energy Source• Load• Conductor

• Resistor• Switch• Series Circuit• Parallel Circuit

Circuits

• A circuit is a path through which electricity can flow.

• Charges flow in a circuit when there is a potential difference.

Circuits

• Most circuits have three parts: an energy source, one or more loads, and conductors (wires) that connect the two.

• Circuits may also have a switch that can be opened or closed to allow or stop the flow of current

• Energy flows only through a closed circuit.

Circuits

Circuits

• Energy Source– Used to push a charge through a circuit– Ex: batteries

• Loads– Devices in a circuit that operate using

electrical energy– Ex: light bulb, toaster, and motors

Circuits

• Conductors– Material that allows electrical energy to flow

through it easily.– Ex: wires

• Wires carry electrical current from the energy source to the load that is apart of the circuit.