Open closed circuits Interactive Worksheet - Edform - Free Printable

Let’s analyze each circuit diagram one by one to determine whether it is open or closed.

> 💡 Key Concept:
> - A closed circuit has a complete, unbroken path for current to flow from the power source (battery), through components (like bulbs), and back to the source.
> - An open circuit has a break in the path — usually due to an open switch, disconnected wire, or missing component — so current cannot flow.

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1)

- Diagram: Battery → wire → bulb → wire → back to battery.
- Observation: All connections are continuous. No switches are shown, and the path is complete.
✔ Answer: Closed

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2)

- Diagram: Battery → bulb → switch → bulb → back to battery.
- Observation: The switch is drawn in the open position (gap visible). Current cannot pass through.
✔ Answer: Open

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3)

- Diagram: Battery → two parallel bulbs → switch → back to battery.
- Observation: The switch is open, breaking the main return path. Even though bulbs are connected in parallel, the switch controls the entire circuit.
✔ Answer: Open

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4)

- Diagram: Battery → wire → bulb → wire → back to battery.
- Observation: Simple loop with no switches or breaks. Path is complete.
✔ Answer: Closed

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5)

- Diagram: Battery → two bulbs in series → wire → back to battery.
- Observation: No switches. Wires connect all components in a single loop.
✔ Answer: Closed

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6)

- Diagram: Battery → switch → then splits into two parallel branches, each with a bulb → merges back → to battery.
- Observation: The switch is open (visible gap). Even though bulbs are in parallel, the switch is on the main line before the split — so no current can reach either branch.
✔ Answer: Open

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## ✔ Final Answers:

1) Closed
2) Open
3) Open
4) Closed
5) Closed
6) Open

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📌 Teaching Tip: When analyzing circuits, always trace the path from the positive terminal of the battery, through components, and back to the negative terminal. If you hit a break (like an open switch or gap), it’s an open circuit. If the path is fully connected, it’s closed.

Let me know if you’d like to explore what happens when bulbs are in series vs. parallel too!