Basic Electricity
-By Tom Storck
What are electric circuits?
Circuits typically contain a voltage source, a wire conductor, and one or more devices which use the electrical energy.
What is a series circuit?
A series circuit is one which provides a single pathway for the current to flow. If the circuit breaks, all devices using the circuit will fail.
What is the difference between an open circuit and a closed circuit?
A closed circuit is one in which the pathway of the electrical current is complete and unbroken.
What is a parallel circuit?
A parallel circuit has multiple pathways for the current to flow. If the circuit is broken the current may pass through other pathways and other devices will continue to work.
An open circuit is one in which the pathway of the electrical current is broken. A switch is a device in the circuit in which the circuit can be closed (turned on) or open (turned off).