Electronics Basics: Open or Closed?

Trace a complete path through a simple circuit.

All worksheets

5 questions0m 0s

Learn the skill

A closed switch joins the path. An open switch leaves a gap. In this simple cell-and-lamp model, with working parts and a suitable cell, the lamp lights only when there is a complete conducting path through it. Trace the picture with your eyes. Use pictures only. Never use wall outlets or put batteries in your mouth.

Worked example

Circuit A has an open switch, so its lamp is off. Circuit B has a closed switch, so its lamp is on. Closed means connected, not hidden inside a box.

Circuit A has an open switch and an unlit lamp. Circuit B has a closed switch and a lit lamp. Each drawing contains a suitable working cell, wires, a switch and a lamp.

Would you believe it?

LEDs make light without heating a wire filament until it glows. Their light comes from a semiconductor, a different method from an incandescent lamp.

Department of Energy: lighting technologies

Question 1 Which circuit has the gap? B Neither A

Question 2 Which circuit has a complete path through its lamp? Neither B A

Question 3 Which lamp is on in this model? B's lamp A's lamp Both lamps

Question 4 What happens if B's switch opens? Its lamp must become brighter The cell disappears Its lamp turns off

Question 5 Does closed mean the circuit is hidden inside a box? Only if the box is blue No Yes

Review your work

0correct

Complete the questions to review each answer.

View dashboard