Aim:

What are Circuits

Vocabulary:

Series circuitParallel Circuit

LoadPower Source

Open vs. Closed CircuitDirect Current vs. Alternating Current

A simple circuit : The most basic circuit. Consists of a power source and a load (something to use the current).

battery = power sourcelight = bulb (load) wire =connecting them.

Open Circuit

• In order for electricity to flow, there must be a continuous path between the negative "pole" and the positive pole of the power source.

• A broken wire or an "open" (off) switch leaves gaps in a circuit preventing electrons from traveling from one side of the power source to the other.

• This situation is called an open circuit.

.• A closed switch means that the circuit is connected.

Open or Closed

Open or Closed

Open or Closed

Open or Closed

Open or Closed

Open or Closed

Types of Circuits

• Simple• Series• Parallel• Combonation

Simple Circuit

Electrons from the negative end to the positive end

A series circuit:When your circuit includes a few loads and you choose to connect them all up in a continuous row so current goes through one, then the other, and then another …

Series Circuit

A parallel circuitWhen the circuit is wired so that the current can flow through the load without having to flow through all the other loads in the circuit.

The loads run parallel to each other.

A series and parallel circuit

We are not going to spend that much time on it.

Series or Parallel

Series or Parallel

Series or Parallel

Series or Parallel

Open or Closed

Which one had electricity flowing?

Two Types of Current

Direct Current: • batteries, simple

circuits• Produce heat• DC

Alternating Current: • your house,

generators• Produce a lot less

heat• AC

Direct Current

Indirect Current

Lab: Series vs. Parallel

circuits1.swf

Flash Movie