1. Electric Circuits

2. Definition
A circuit is a complete, closed path through which electric charges flow
Begins and ends at the same place

3. Three Parts of a Circuit:
1. Energy source
2. Wires
3. Load (light bulb, radio)
The load converts the electric energy into other forms
Most circuits have more than one load

4. Types of Circuits: Series Circuit
all parts are connected in a single loop
only one path for the charges to follow
Current is equal so bulbs have the same brightness.
If more bulbs are added, the resistance increases, the current decreases
Only one pathway – any breaks along the way and the charges stop flowing
Example: burglar alarm

5. Types of Circuits Parallel Circuit Loads are connected side by side
Multiple paths for charges to travel
Each load can work by itself

6. Circuit SAFETY Breaker box/fuse box is headquarters in the house
Standard voltage in U.S. is 120 volts
Fuses
Thin strip of metal
If current is too high, metal melts and circuit is broken
Circuit breaker
Opens automatically if current is too high
Thin strip of metal heats up and bends to open switch
Close it by flipping the switch
GFCI – ground fault circuit interrupter
Small circuit breaker
Reset button on outlets