Embedded Files
What I Should Already Know:
What I Should Already Know:
- Any appliance that needs to be plugged in or requires batteries uses electricity.
- Electricity flows in circuits. The circuit must be complete to allow energy to flow.
- A series circuit means there is only one pathway for electricity to flow.
- A switch can complete or break a circuit.
Key Vocabulary
Key Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Definition
Definition
Generator
Generator
A machine that makes electrical energy.
A machine that makes electrical energy.
Component
Component
A part of something (a part of a circuit).
A part of something (a part of a circuit).
Current
Current
The flow of electrical charge.
The flow of electrical charge.
Circuit
Circuit
The path through which an electrical current flows.
The path through which an electrical current flows.
Connected
Connected
Something that is joined or linked.
Something that is joined or linked.
Voltage
Voltage
Voltage is a measure of the difference in electrical energy between two parts of a circuit.
Voltage is a measure of the difference in electrical energy between two parts of a circuit.
What is electricity?
What is electricity?
Watch the video to learn the basics of electricity
Watch the video to learn the basics of electricity
- Electricity is created by generators which can be powered by gas, coal, oil, wind or solar.
- The electrical energy can be converted into other types of energy such as light, heat, movement or sound.
- Electricity is dangerous, so be careful when using electrical appliances.
Electrical Circuits
Electrical Circuits
A series circuit (One pathway around the circuit)
A series circuit (One pathway around the circuit)
- Electricity can flow through the components in a complete electrical circuit.
- A circuit always needs a power source, such as a battery, with wires connected to both the positive (+) and negative (-) ends. (A battery is made from a collection of cells connected together).
- A circuit can also contain other electrical components, such as bulbs, buzzers or motors, which allow electricity to pass through.
- Electricity will only travel around a circuit that is complete. That means it has no gaps.
What is a switch?
What is a switch?
- You can use a switch in a circuit to create a gap in a circuit. This can be used to switch it on and off.
- When a switch is open (off), there is a gap in the circuit. Electricity cannot travel around the circuit.
- When a switch is closed (on), it makes the circuit complete. Electricity can travel around the circuit.
Increasing the brightness of a bulb or the volume of a buzzer.
Increasing the brightness of a bulb or the volume of a buzzer.
- The more cells that are used in a circuit, the brighter the bulb or louder the buzzer.
- If one cell is used, the higher its voltage, the more powerful the cell is.
Symbols to Learn
Symbols to Learn
Think you know it all? Take the quiz!
Think you know it all? Take the quiz!
Page updated
Report abuse