Circuit Definition
A circuit is a path that can allow electricity to flow, if closed. For example, a simple circuit could be a wire connected end-to-end.
View Lesson on Electricity & Circuits
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Electricity & Circuits
Fun Facts
- Electricity flows through conductors, not through insulators.
- Circuit boards allow allow of the components to be integrated into a small package.
- A series circuit only has one path, while parallel circuits have multiple paths.
Why Do We Need To Know About Circuit
Learning about circuits helps you understand how things like smartphones and laptops work. It’s important because electrical engineers use circuits to make all kinds of things, from electric cars and computers to things that help people, like artificial limbs and systems that keep our lights on. Circuits are important in making new medical tools and making computers and gadgets smaller and better.
Advancements in developing microcircuits greatly reduced the size of many devices. For example, the first computers were the size of a room, but now we can hold a computer much more powerful than those in the palm of our hands! Knowing about circuits is key for people who want to create new technologies and make life better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Full Lesson on Electricity & Circuits
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Electricity is the flow of electrical energy from one place to another.
- Electricity flows through conductors, but it cannot flow through insulators.
- A closed circuit is needed for electricity to flow and power our electronics.
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