CLASS 5 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Simple electrical circuits – basic principles
How it works
An electric circuit consists of a voltage source (e.g. battery), conductors (wires) and consumers (e.g. light bulb). Electric current can flow only when the circuit is closed. In a simple circuit, the lamp lights only when all components are connected correctly. Switches are used to open or close the circuit. In school lessons, the direction of current is usually given from plus to minus (conventional current direction).
Note
An electric circuit works only when it is closed and all components are connected correctly; switches interrupt or close the flow of current.
An electric circuit works only when it is closed and all components are connected correctly; switches interrupt or close the flow of current.
An example
A battery, a light bulb and a switch are connected with wires. The switch is open. What happens to the lamp?
The lamp does not light up because the circuit is interrupted by the open switch. The current cannot flow.
Try it yourself now
50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Physics. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.