Electrical Circuits

Insulator Object that slows down the flow of energy.

The rubber or plastic on an electrical cord provides an insulator for the wires. This is a good thing! You don’t get shocked when you plug something in!

Conductor Object that easily allows the flow of energy.

Lightening Rods are an excellent example of conductors Lightening Rods are an excellent example of conductors. They are made of metal and allow the energy flow of a lightening strike to go underground to a conductive grid buried below.  Water is also a good conductor of electricity and your body is made up of 60% water.

Energy Source Where energy comes from

Electricity travels at the speed of light - more than 186,000 miles per second!

Switch A piece that allows you to stop and start the energy flow by either breaking or connecting a circuit.

 If you had a lamp on the moon connected to a switch in your house, it would take only 1.28 seconds for it to light up 238,857 miles away!

Current The movement or flow of electricity in a certain path.

Electric eels can produce an electric current of 650 volts of electricity which is 5 times the amount of electricity given out from a wall outlet.

Circuit Pathway that starts and finishes at the same place

In 1746 200 people formed a circle while holding a piece of wire, each became shocked by a large battery at the same time becoming the first and largest human electric circuit.

Electromagnet A magnet that is powered by electricity.

Electromagnets are used everywhere including doorbells, telephones, door locks, and junk yards to lift up cars. They also guide certain trains along their tracks without wheels at 300 miles per hour!

Open Circuit An open connection path where energy does not flow continuously.

Open circuits cause problems all over your house including lights not working, electricity going off, and your air-conditioning or heat not working. When that happens circuit detectives can be called…

Closed Circuit A closed connection path for energy to flow.

The steel dragon 2000 is the longest roller coaster in the world and is also the world’s tallest complete circle coaster at 318 ft. off the ground!