10.3.1

What is a Circuit?

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Circuits

A circuit is a loop of conducting material. Circuits are usually made of copper wire. There are a few things a circuit needs to allow electricity to flow around the circuit.

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Power supply

  • A circuit requires a power supply to move the electricity around the circuit.
    • The power supply in a circuit is called a cell.
    • A power supply is called a battery if it has more that one cell.
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Cells

  • The cells have both positive and negative ends.
    • The positive and negative ends are called terminals.
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Other parts of the circuit

  • Other parts can be added to the circuit.
    • Each part of a circuit is called a component.
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Buzzers

  • Components can be added to make the circuit do something.
    • Buzzers are components that convert electrical energy into sound.
    • Buzzers would be useful in the circuit that controls your doorbell.
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Lamps

  • Components can be added to make the circuit do something.
    • Lamps are components that convert the electrical energy into light.
    • Lamps would be useful in the circuit that controls the lights in your home.

Jump to other topics

1Year 3: Plants

2Year 3: Animals (Including Humans)

3Year 3: Rocks

3.1Rocks on Earth

4Year 3: Light

5Year 3: Forces & Magnets

6Year 4: Living Things & Their Habitats

7Year 4: Animals, Including Humans

8Year 4: States of Matter

9Year 4: Sound

10Year 4: Electricity

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