Electrical Energy & Circuits

What is electrical energy?

Electrical energy is the flow of tiny particles called electrons. A bolt of lightning is an example of electrical energy in nature. Lightning happens when electrical energy in a storm cloud is discharged.

Lightning is a form of electrical energy.

Electrical Circuits

An electrical circuit is a path along which electrical energy can flow. A circuit is made up of the following parts:

A source of electrical energy such as a battery or an electrical outlet.
An electrical conductor such as copper wire. An electrical conductor is any material which allows electricity to flow easily through it such as silver, gold, copper, iron and steel. Most metals are good electrical conductors.
An electrical load such as a light bulb. An electrical load is a device that works by using electricity. Can you name a few?
A switch which can make or break the connection in the circuit. When the switch is turned off, the connection is broken and electricity cannot flow. The circuit is said to be open. When the switch is turned on, the connection is made and electricity can flow. The circuit is said to be closed.

Note: Any material which does not allow electricity to flow easily through it is called an insulator. Some examples of insulators are rubber, glass, plastic and dry wood. We can use insulators to prevent electricity from travelling to places that we do not want it to. For example, electrical wires are usually wrapped in plastic to protect us from electric shock.

Diagram of a simple electrical circuit

Look at the diagram of a simple electrical circuit below. Electrical energy flows from the negative terminal of the cell, through the cable. It flows through the lamp which causes it to light up and then to the positive terminal of the cell. This process will continue as long as the switch is on. If the switch is turned off, electricity cannot flow and the bulb will not light up.