How Does Electricity Flow?
In order for electricity to flow, it
must follow a complete path. The
path that electricity can move through
is called a circuit (SUR·kit). A circuit
is made up of parts that work together
to allow electricity to flow.
The electricity that flows
through a circuit is called current
electricity. Current electricity is
moving electrical charge. Current
electricity is different from static
electricity. Static electricity is a
buildup of electrical charge.
Static electricity does not flow.
This circuit consists of a source of electrical current, a wire
through which the current flows, a switch to control the flow of
current, and an object to be lighted. This circuit is closed because
there are no gaps in the path.
Current electricity will flow
through a closed circuit. In a
closed circuit, there are no gaps
or breaks in the path. The path is
complete. An incomplete path is
called an open circuit. No current
will flow through an open circuit.
There are gaps or breaks in an
open circuit.
The current that flows through a
circuit can be turned on or off. A
device known as a switch (SWICH)
controls the current in a circuit. When
the switch is in the closed position,
the circuit is closed. The path is
complete, and current flows. When
the switch is in the open position, the
circuit is open. The path is
incomplete, and no current flows.
switch
André Ampère
• How much current
is flowing in a
circuit can be
measured in units
called amperes
(AM·peerz). The
ampere is named
after the French
physicist André
Ampère, who lived
from 1775 to 1836.
ammeter
• Amperes are
measured
with an
instrument
called an
ammeter.
Main Idea and Details
• What is the main idea of this passage?
• What is one important detail that tells more
about the main idea?
• What is another detail that tells more about the
main idea?
• Write a summary of the passage in one or two
sentences.
What is a circuit?
• Answer the question…
– With a partner
– In your Learning Notebook
circuit
• A complete
path through
which
electricity can
flow.
Back to text
current electricity
• A moving
electrical
charge.
Back to text