An electric circuit is a complete, closed path through which electric charges can flow. The three essential parts of a circuit are:
1) An energy source to provide power, such as a battery
2) Conductors that allow current to flow, and
3) Electrical devices called loads that use the energy, such as light bulbs.
The amount of current flowing through a circuit is affected by the voltage of the energy source and the resistance of the conductors - higher voltage and lower resistance allows more current to flow. Too much current can overheat wires and cause fires.