Simple Circuits with Insulators & Conductors

S5P3 Determine the necessary components for completing an electric circuit. Classify common materials as insulators or conductors of electricity.

Simple Circuits The simplest electric circuit needs an energy source and a material that electrons can easily flow through.

A battery is an energy source often used in a circuit. The wire used in a circuit is often made of copper. Copper is a metal. Most wire has a plastic or rubber coating on it so that you can safely touch the wire. A switch is a device that can open or close a circuit.

Electric Circuits A flow of electric charge is an electric current. In a solid, the moving electric charges are electrons. An electric circuit is a closed path along which an electric charge can flow.

Open and Closed Circuits Closed circuits allows electricity to flow easily Open circuits stop the flow of electricity

Insulators Prevent or block the flow of electricity Rubber or plastic on an electrical cord provides an insulator for the wires. By covering the wires, the electricity cannot go through the rubber and is forced to follow the path on the aluminum or copper wires. By covering the wires, the electricity cannot go through the rubber and is forced to follow the path on the aluminum or copper wires.

Insulators Insulators are materials that don't share their electrons very easily, so they don't carry electricity. Insulators, like the plastic on the outside of an electrical cord, protect you from being shocked by the electrical current.

Insulators Most plasticsRubber GlassWood ClothDry Air Sand

Conductors Conductors are materials that electricity can flow through easily. Your body is 60% water and that makes you a good conductor of electricity. Materials that like to share their electrons are called conductors.

Conductors Copper is the most common metal used in electronics, both because it is a good conductor, and it is much less expensive than gold or silver. The insides of most electrical cords, like the ones you plug into your wall, are made of copper. The insides of most electrical cords, like the ones you plug into your wall, are made of copper.

Conductors: CopperWater IronAluminum GoldSteel Silver

What is the purpose of a switch in an electric circuit? A. to change the direction of the current B. to provide a “push” for the electrons C. to allow the circuit to be opened or closed D. ton increase the power of the bulb

A circuit contains a battery, a wire, a switch, and a bulb. What would happen if you removed the battery? A.The current would not flow. B.The current would flow faster. C.The bulb would glow more brightly. D.The bulb would glow less brightly.

Theo makes a circuit using a battery, a wire, a switch, and 2 bulbs. One of the bulbs then burns out. Which of the following MOST LIKELY will happen? a.The good bulb will burn more brightly. b.The good bulb will glow less brightly. c.The brightness of the god bulb will not change. d.The good bulb will also stop shining.

Which of the following materials is the BEST electric insulator? a. Copper wire b. Iron nail c. Plastic block d. Steel paper clip

John makes an electric circuit with a wire, a switch, a bulb, and a battery. When he closes the switch, the bulb glows. He then removes the switch from the circuit. Which material could be put in its place to again light the bulb? a.Rubber band b.Square of aluminum foil c.Strip of cardboard d.Wooden toothpick