An electric circuit has four main parts: 1) a source of electric energy such as a battery or power outlet, 2) an electrical load that converts the energy into a usable form like a toaster or light bulb, 3) a control device like a switch to turn the circuit on or off, and 4) connectors that provide a controlled path for electric current to flow between each part. Circuits can be either closed, allowing current to flow, or open, interrupting the flow of current when a switch is turned off.

1. Section 10.2 Electricity and Electric Currents Pages 300 – 301

2. Things to Remember… Electric Current Electric Circuit Four parts of the Electric Circuit Difference between open and closed circuits Schematic circuit diagrams and symbols

3. Electrical energy is transferred by the movement of electrical charge. The movement of electrical charges from one place to another is called an electric current.

4. An ELECTRIC CIRCUIT is a controlled path through which electric current passes.

5. Four Parts of Electric Circuit Source of Electric Energy Information from computer hard drives Information from nuclear power stations Photoelectric cells in calculators, cells and batteries, wall outlets.

6. 2) Electrical Load Name given to anything that converts electric energy into whatever form of energy we need This is why we have electric circuits i.e. Toaster, microwave, coffee maker

7. 3) Electric Circuit Control Device switches in homes, cars, portable electronic equipment clock timer on microwave thermostat 4) Connectors provide a controlled path for electric current to flow to each part of the circuit i.e. microchips

9. Closed vs. Open Circuits Closed Circuits : Electric current is flowing the arm of the switch is connected to the other part of the switch and the switch is ON

10. Open Circuits : the arm of the switch is not connected to the other part of the switch, the switch is ‘open’ or ‘off’

12. Schematic Diagram Symbols

13. VIDEO Electric Circuit... Croc. Clips!!

14. Keeping on Track… It may be a good idea to make a chart listing the parts of the electric circuit and stating a function for each part and provide two examples…

15. QUESTIONS TO PONDER… We use lights in so many places and for many different purposes. TONIGHT (homework  ), walk through each room in the house and count the number of light sources in each room. Don’t forget things that aren’t glowing or flashing at that movement (microwave, TV remote bulb, etc.) Next day we will compare the different light sources!!