A Complete Circuit
Diagram of a simple cell and lamp circuit with current arrows.
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Current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal.
Define an electrical circuit, current direction, and how a switch controls the flow.
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Definition of an electrical circuit and current direction.
Have you ever wondered how a battery makes a torch bulb glow? It requires a continuous, unbroken path called an electrical circuit. This circuit provides a complete route for electricity to travel through a device, allowing it to function.
Diagram of a simple cell and lamp circuit with current arrows.
Current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal.
Test understanding of current flow direction.
In a standard electrical circuit, what is the defined direction of the electric current?
Explanation of how a switch completes or breaks a circuit.
Connecting a battery directly to a bulb means it will stay on until the battery dies. To control when electricity flows, we use an electric switch—a simple device that can either complete or break a circuit.
Comparison matrix of Switch ON vs OFF.
Visual of the homemade safety pin switch in both positions.
A physical gap opens the circuit; bridging it closes the circuit.
Fill-blank on open/closed circuits.
An electrical circuit provides a complete path for electric to flow through a device like a lamp. The direction of this flow is taken to be from the terminal to the negative terminal of the electric cell. A simple device that either completes or breaks this circuit is called a . When this device is in the OFF position, there is a gap in the path, so we say the circuit is . In this state, the gap prevents current flow, and the lamp does not . When turned ON, the path is complete, allowing current to flow because the circuit is now .