Flick a switch and a light comes on. But what's really happening inside? Today we build real circuits and learn the language scientists use to describe them.
The big idea: a globe only lights when there's a complete, unbroken loop from one end of the cell, through the components, and back. Watch the current flow.
Every circuit is built from components, and each one has a job.
| Component | Its job |
|---|---|
| Cell (battery) | The energy source — pushes the current around |
| Wires | Carry the current between components |
| Globe (lamp) | Transforms electrical energy into light |
| Switch | Opens or closes the loop to turn it on/off |
Scientists everywhere draw circuits the same way, using conventional symbols. Learn these four.
Grab your circuit kit. We'll build a working circuit together, step by step.
With your partner, build your own circuit and record it like a scientist.
Let's pull it together.