3.3 Electric Circuits flashcards

Conductors

Materials allowing electricity to easily flow through them (e.g., metals).

Insulators

Materials not allowing electricity to easily flow through them (e.g., rubber, wood, plastic).

Electric circuit

A path for electric current to flow.

Electric current

Electricity. The steady flow of electrons (particles)

Closed circuit

A circuit where electrons can pass through, necessary for electricity flow.

Power source

Device like a battery or wall outlet that generates the flow of electrons in a circuit.

Open circuit

A circuit with an opening where electricity cannot flow.

Wires

Transmit charged electrons using metals like copper, wrapped in plastic insulators to prevent electron loss and shocks.

What can help close a circuit so it can work?

conductors

Wires are wrapped in plastic to prevent:

the loss of electrons (or shock to people)

The purpose of an electric circuit is to:

power something else by creating another type of energy (mechanical, heat, sound, etc).