What does an electric current need to flow?
Electrons that move in a steady flow.
What two things are needed in order for current to flow in a circuit?
1) It needs a source of current (or electrons)
2) The circuit has to be complete. If there is a break in the circuit, the current won't flow.
How many paths can electric current follow in a series circuit?
One
How many paths can electric current follow in a parallel circuit?
Two or more
What happens in a series circuit if one wire breaks?
Current would stop flowing; the whole thing stops
What happens in a parallel circuit if one wire breaks?
The current still flows through another path; object would still run/work
How are homes, schools, and businesses wired?
With parallel circuits
What are two advantages that parallel circuits have over series circuits?
1) Easier to locate problems
2) More paths to connect/run more devices
How do engineers design new electrical circuits?
They draw diagrams of the circuits they will use.
What do you see on a circuit diagram?
You see SYMBOLS on circuit diagrams to show the parts of a circuit. Each part of a circuit has a different symbol.
From the Conductors & Insulators Worksheet:
Be able to name at least 2 classroom objects that are conductors & 2 classroom objects that are insulators.
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From the Making Connections Worksheet:
Be able to look at pictures such as the ones on the worksheet and tell whether or not the circuit will make bulb light or the motor run.
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From the Series Circuit & Parallel Circuit Worksheet:
Be able to look at a picture of the two circuits and tell which is a series circuit and which is a parallel circuit. Also understand what happens if one D-cell is removed from each type of circuit
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