1
The parts of a circuit
Workbook 2: Topic 6.3, pp. 75–80
GoalName a cell, wires, a lamp and holders, and say what each one does.
New words
cell · a small store of electricity that pushes it round a circuitwire · a thin piece of metal, often with a plastic cover, that carries electricitylamp · a small bulb that gives light when electricity flows through itholder · a small stand that keeps a cell or a lamp in place
Explanation
We can build a circuit with a few simple parts. The cell is the store of electricity. It pushes the electricity along. The wires carry the electricity from place to place. The lamp lights up when electricity flows through it. A cell holder keeps the cell still. A lamp holder keeps the lamp still and joins it to the wires. Every cell has two ends, and a wire must join to both of them.
Worked examples
This is a cell. It stores electricity, and it pushes the electricity round the circuit.
This is a lamp. It makes light when electricity flows through it.
In the picture at the top, the parts are joined in a loop: a cell at the bottom, wires up the sides, and a lamp at the top.
Class activity
Torch parts (with an adult): look at a small torch that uses cells. Your adult unscrews it and shows you the cells and the little lamp. Can you see the metal strip or spring that does the job of a wire? Your adult puts it back together. Never take apart anything that plugs into the wall.
Practice
1
What does a cell do in a circuit?
It stores electricity and pushes it round the circuit.
2
Name the three parts you can see in the picture.
A cell, a lamp and wires.
3
What does a lamp do?
It gives out light when electricity flows through it.
4
Which two of these are parts of a circuit?
A, the cell, and C, the lamp.