EXPLORING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
Students will explore the two basic types of electrical circuits.
The type depends upon how the parts of the electrical circuit
are arranged.
If all the electiecal parts are connected one after another, the
electrical circuit is a series circuit. In a series circuit there is
only one path for the electrons to flow. The disadvantage of
this type of electrical circuit is that if there is a break in any
part of it, then the entire circuit is opened and therefore will
not allow an electrical current to flow.
The second type of electrical circuit is a parallel circuit. In a
parallel circuit the different electrical parts are located on
separate branches therefore there are several paths for the
electrons to take. If a break should occur in this type of circuit
the electrons can still move through other branches. The
electrical current continues to flow.
Electric power is a measure of the rate at which electricity does
work or provides energy. Power =voltage X current
Power is expressed as watts, voltage as volt and current as
amperes.
Question: What voltage is required to run a 75 watt light bulb if
the current is 0.5 ampere?
Answer: 75 watts = volts X 0.5 amperes or 150 volts
