A battery works because the electrons accumulate on the negative electrode. When the battery is in use, the electrons are allowed to keep flowing, causing an electric current. An electric circuit is the path that an electric current follows. A circuit must have three things: A source of electrons, something to use the electrons and a path.
An electric current must always move in a circle, from the electric energy source through a wire to a machine that uses the electrical energy and then back through a wire to the electrical source again. A circuit must form a complete circle for electricity to flow through the wires. This is called a closed circuit and allows the free flow of electricity through the system.
If there is a break in the circle and electricity can’t flow freely from the energy source, through the machine (which is called the load) and back to the source, then the current cannot move. For example, if the wire is disconnected at any point, then the current cannot move through the wire. This is called an open circuit.
Closed Circuit
Describe a closed circuit.
A closed circuit forms a complete circle for electrical energy to travel in.
Circuit
Is this a closed or open circuit? Explain why?
This is an open circuit because there is a wire disconnected on the right hand side. This does not allow the electricity to complete the loop.
