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Natural Sciences & Technology · Energy and Change · Electric circuits
Electric circuits: conductors and insulators
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Learning outcomes
- Recognise the parts and closed path needed for a simple circuit.
- Distinguish electrical conductors from insulators.
- Apply safe rules when investigating electricity.
Safety first
A circuit needs a complete conducting path
A simple classroom circuit can use a cell, wires, a switch and a bulb. The bulb lights only when the conducting path is closed from one terminal of the cell to the other.
Metals usually conduct electricity. Materials such as plastic, rubber and dry wood are usually insulators, which means they resist the flow of electric current.
Use only teacher-approved low-voltage cells. Never connect a classroom investigation to a wall socket or mains electricity.