Electrons in Circuits

Parts of a circuit Battery Closed switch (allows electrons to flow) Open switch (impedes flow) Wire Resistor Light Bulb

Circuit Complete path from a positive to negative terminal of a battery Electrons flow from the negative to positive end

Source of Electrons in a Circuit Source of electrons does not come from a power outlet but from the conducting circuit material (wires) Energy flows from outlets to the circuit causing electrons to move

Types of circuits Depend on how more than one device receive electrical energy Series Single pathway of electron flow Parallel Branched pathway, each of which is separate path for the flow of electrons

Series Circuits If one device fails, it causes an open circuit where no current can flow Resistance increases, the more devices connected to the circuit Same current passes through each device in the circuit Circuits used in Christmas tree lights.

Parallel Circuits Overall resistance decreases the more devices connected to the circuit (alternative paths for electrons to travel) Same voltage passes through each device, all connected to the same battery One device fails, rest of circuit still works Circuit type used in houses