Contents
Key Stage 2
Meaning
A circuit is a loop of wire that electricity flows around.
About Circuits
- A circuit needs to be complete otherwise electricity will not flow through it. Any break in the circuit will stop the electricity from flowing.
- A circuit starts and ends at the source of power. This is usually a battery or cell but it can be a generator or Solar Cell.
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| A circuit must be a complete loop without any breaks or it will not work. | The break in this circuit stops it from working. |
To practice building a circuit you can use a circuit simulator by clicking on the picture below.
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Key Stage 3
Meaning
A circuit is a loop of wire that electricity flows around.
Energy Transfers
Cell
- Energy is transferred electrically out of the chemical potential energy store.
Light Bulb
- Energy is transferred electrically into the the thermal energy store of the bulb.
- Energy is also transferred away from the bulb by light radiation.
Motor
- Energy is transferred electrically into the the kinetic energy store of the motor as it speeds up.
- Energy is transferred electrically into the the thermal energy store of the motor due to friction.
Speaker or Buzzer
- Energy is transferred electrically into the the kinetic energy store of the Speaker.
- Energy is also transferred away from the Speaker by sound radiation.