Mains Electricity or Batteries Worksheet - Free Printable

Let’s go through each item one by one and decide whether it’s powered by mains electricity (plugged into a wall socket) or batteries (uses portable power cells).

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1) Wall clock – Most wall clocks plug into the wall, but some run on batteries. However, in school worksheets like this, if it looks like a standard round analog clock with no visible battery compartment, we usually assume mains. But wait — many modern wall clocks are actually battery-powered! Let’s think: If it’s hanging on a wall and has no cord, it’s likely batteries. In most elementary worksheets, they expect batteries for simple wall clocks unless shown plugged in. → batteries

2) Speakers – These look like computer speakers. They usually plug into a computer or wall outlet via USB or power adapter. So → mains

3) Microwave oven – Definitely plugs into the wall. Big appliance. → mains

4) Calculator – Small handheld device. Almost always uses small batteries or solar + battery backup. → batteries

5) Wristwatch – Personal timepiece worn on wrist. Uses tiny watch batteries. → batteries

6) Ceiling fan – Fixed to ceiling, needs lots of power. Always wired into building’s electrical system. → mains

7) Light bulb – This is tricky. A light bulb itself doesn’t “power” anything — it’s part of a lamp or fixture that plugs in. But since it’s shown alone, and typical household bulbs screw into sockets connected to mains → mains

8) Vacuum cleaner – Household appliance. Plugs into wall. Some cordless ones exist, but this one looks traditional with a cord implied. → mains

9) Flashlight – Designed to be portable. Runs on AA/AAA batteries. → batteries

10) Remote control – Used for TVs etc. Must be portable. Uses batteries. → batteries

11) Blender – Kitchen appliance. Needs strong motor. Plugs into wall. → mains

12) Toaster – Another kitchen appliance. High heat = high power. Always mains. → mains

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Now let’s double-check any borderline cases:

- #1 Wall clock: Could be either, but in context of other items (like flashlight, calculator), and since no cord is drawn, batteries is safer choice for worksheet logic.
- #7 Light bulb: Even though it’s just the bulb, it’s meant to represent a lamp/lighting system which runs on mains. No such thing as a standalone battery-powered light bulb without being inside a battery-operated lamp — so still mains.
- #8 Vacuum: If it were cordless, it would say “cordless” or show rechargeable symbol. Since not specified, assume traditional → mains

All others are clear-cut.

Final Answer:
1) batteries
2) mains
3) mains
4) batteries
5) batteries
6) mains
7) mains
8) mains
9) batteries
10) batteries
11) mains
12) mains