Name _______ KEY __________________________________ Date _________ Period ______
Electric Circuits
1.
How are electric circuits and systems for carrying water in buildings similar?

2.
Why are symbols used in circuit diagrams?

3.
Electricity flows through a circuit of wires and water flows through a circuit of
pipes.
Symbols are used to simplify the diagram for easier reading. The symbols are
universal and can be interpreted by anyone with knowledge of circuits.
Draw the electrical symbol for each of the following devices.
a.
c.
d.
4.
5.
b.
Draw a circuit diagram for the circuit shown to the right:
What is the difference between an open circuit and a closed circuit? Which will result in a
lit bulb? Why?

6.
List three devices that could be a resistor in a circuit.

7.
Resistors may represent many different loads in a circuit. Examples include a
toaster, a light bulb, a motor, a heater, or a speaker.
Is flipping a switch the only way to create an open circuit? Explain.

8.
A closed circuit has a complete loop of electricity, while an open circuit does not.
Only a closed circuit will light a bulb.
A switch is a desirable way to open a circuit, but some other ways to break a
circuit are: breaks in the wire, or a broken filament in a light bulb.
Draw a circuit diagram of a circuit with a battery, three wires, a light bulb, and a switch.