What is a circuit?
Electricity can make a bulb light up. Electricity flows in a path called a circuit. A simple circuit has a battery (dry cell), wires and a bulb. The wires carry the electricity to the bulb.
Key idea
When the circuit is complete, the bulb lights up. If a wire is broken, the bulb does not light.
The switch
A switch turns the bulb on and off. When you press it on, the path is complete and the bulb glows brightly. When you press it off, the path is open and the bulb goes dark. Many things at home use electricity, such as a fan, a television and a lamp. We must be careful with electricity and never touch plugs with wet hands.
Example
A torch has a battery, a bulb and a switch. Push the switch and the bulb gives light.
Remember
- A battery stores electricity.
- Wires carry electricity.
- A switch turns the bulb on and off.
- Never touch plugs with wet hands.