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Circuit Definition

A circuit is a path that can allow electricity to flow, if closed. For example, a simple circuit could be a wire connected end-to-end.

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Electricity & Circuits

LESSON MATERIALSmove

Fun Facts

  • Electricity flows through conductors, not through insulators.
  • Circuit boards allow allow of the components to be integrated into a small package.
  • A series circuit only has one path, while parallel circuits have multiple paths.

Why Do We Need To Know About Circuit

Learning about circuits helps you understand how things like smartphones and laptops work. It’s important because electrical engineers use circuits to make all kinds of things, from electric cars and computers to things that help people, like artificial limbs and systems that keep our lights on. Circuits are important in making new medical tools and making computers and gadgets smaller and better.

Advancements in developing microcircuits greatly reduced the size of many devices.  For example, the first computers were the size of a room, but now we can hold a computer much more powerful than those in the palm of our hands! Knowing about circuits is key for people who want to create new technologies and make life better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is electricity?
Electricity is the flow of electrical energy from one place to another.
Why is a closed circuit needed for electricity to power our electronics?
For electricity to flow, it needs a closed path from the source, through a conductor, and back to the source.
What would be an advantage of a series circuit? Of a parallel circuit?
In a series circuit, you could turn on and off all the lights or devices at the same time, instead of turning each one on and off separately. In a parallel circuit, each light or device has its own path to the source, so you can control each one separately. If one light or device goes out, the other devices in the circuit are not affected.
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