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88 SCIPAD - BIG IDEAS - BOOK 2
CIRCUITS AND MAGNETS
Electricity and Circuits
Read the following paragraph and answer the questions that follow
Current electricity travels in closed loops, or circuits (from the word ‘circle’). It must have a
complete path for the electrons to move around. A circuit is usually made by linking electrical
components together with pieces of wire. If there is a gap or break in the circuit, the electrons
cannot flow. Switches are devices that can open or close a circuit. When we turn on a light
switch, we close the circuit, allowing electrons to flow through the light bulb. When we turn the
switch off, we open the circuit and electrons stop flowing.
Light bulbs have a thin wire in them. When electrons flow through the wire it gets very hot and
it begins to glow. If the wire breaks, the circuit through the bulb opens, preventing the flow of
electrons. Electricity must flow through a circuit in order for any electrical appliance to work.
1. Where does the word ‘circuit’ come from?
2. Outline how an electrical circuit is constructed.
3. Can electrons flow if the circuit is open?
4. What happens to the wire in a light bulb when electricity flows through it?
5. What happens to a bulb when the wire inside it burns out?
6. Complete the cartoon below. You must use the following words:
Switch - Electrons - Current - Light bulb - Open - Closed - Circuit
HEY JOHN, WHEN THE SWITCH
IS DOWN THE LIGHTS COME ON,
BUT WHEN IT'S UP THE LIGHTS
GO OUT!! WHAT THE???
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN
Jenny? HIDING IN A CAVE?
The switch turns the light on and off because....
YEAH PRETENDING
TO BE BATgirl!
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