Here are the answers to the questions on your worksheet, explained simply.
1. Does Figure A show a closed circuit? Explain.
No, it does not. In Figure A, the switch is in the "up" or open position. This creates a gap in the path, so electrons cannot flow all the way around from the battery and back. For a circuit to be closed, the path must be complete with no breaks.
2. What would happen if you pushed down on the homemade switch? Why?
The light bulb would light up. Pushing down on the switch connects the two metal parts, closing the gap. This completes the circle (circuit), allowing electricity to flow from the battery, through the wire and bulb, and back to the battery.
3. What would happen if you cut the wire at point X while you held down the switch? Why?
The light bulb would go out (turn off). Even though the switch is closed, cutting the wire at point X creates a new break in the path. Electrons need a continuous loop to travel; if the wire is cut, the path is broken, and the current stops flowing.
4. Which figure represents a series circuit—B or C?
Figure B represents a series circuit. You can tell because there is only one single path for the electricity to take. It flows from the battery, through the first bulb, then the second, then the third, and back to the battery. If one part fails, the whole thing stops.
5. Which figure represents a parallel circuit?
Figure C represents a parallel circuit. In this diagram, the wires split into different branches. Each light bulb has its own separate path connecting directly to the battery.
6. What is the main difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit?
The main difference is the number of paths for the electricity.
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Series: Has only
one path. All components are lined up like a chain.
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Parallel: Has
multiple paths (branches). The electricity splits up to go through different components at the same time.
7. In Figure B, if you closed the switch and unscrewed one of the bulbs, what would happen? Why?
All the bulbs would go out. Because Figure B is a series circuit, there is only one path for the electricity. Unscrewing a bulb creates a gap in that single path (like cutting the wire). Since the loop is broken, electricity cannot flow to any of the other bulbs.
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Final Answer:
1. No; the switch is open, creating a gap in the path.
2. The bulb would light up because the switch closes the gap, completing the circuit.
3. The bulb would go out because cutting the wire breaks the path, stopping the flow of electricity.
4. Figure B
5. Figure C
6. A series circuit has only one path for electricity, while a parallel circuit has multiple paths.
7. All bulbs would go out because removing one bulb breaks the single path in a series circuit.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of electricity worksheet answer key.
