Open and Closed Circuits

Today’s Goals

Learning Objective: I will learn
about open and closed electrical
circuits.

DOL: Given 5 questions, I will
define and identify the basic parts
of a circuit, identify open vs closed
circuits, and explain how the parts
of a circuit work together to power
electronics with 100% accuracy.

SCR

Understanding Electrical Circuits

An electrical circuit is a path that allows electricity to flow from one point to another. There are
two main types of circuits: open and closed.

Closed Circuit: A closed circuit is a complete loop. When the circuit is closed, electricity can
flow through it easily. For example, when you switch on a light, you are closing the circuit,
allowing the electrical current to reach the light bulb and make it glow. The path is
uninterrupted, so the electrical devices work as intended.

Open Circuit: An open circuit, on the other hand, is incomplete. It has a break or gap
somewhere in the loop that prevents electricity from flowing. When you switch off a light, you
are opening the circuit, breaking the path, and stopping the flow of electricity. As a result, the
light bulb does not light up because the circuit is not complete.

Key Points to Remember:

●A closed circuit allows electricity to flow and power devices.

●An open circuit breaks the path of electricity and stops devices from working.

Question:

Imagine you are designing
a new type of flashlight.
Describe how you would
create a circuit that is easy
to turn on and off. How
would you ensure that the
circuit stays closed when
the flashlight is on and
opens when it is off?
Explain your reasoning.

Electric Current - a flow of electricity
through an electrical conductor

Electrical Circuit - a complete path
through which electricity can flow

3 Essential Parts-

1.) Power source
2.) Wires
3.) Load (the part

that uses
electricity)

Open Ended

The load in this example is a light bulb. What other objects can be classified as “load”?

Source
Conductor

Open vs. Closed Circuit

Closed Circuit -
Electricity flows through an uninterrupted path.

Open Circuit -
Electricity can’t flow due to a broken wire or open switch

Explain the difference between an open and closed circuit and how

either can affect the load in your circuit.

Turn & Talk -

How can you tell
whether a circuit is
open or closed?

Student Whiteboard: Open or
Closed Circuit?

Response Card to explain how you know.

Student Whiteboard: Open or
Closed Circuit?

Turn & Talk to explain how you know.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes this circuit?

• The circuit is closed and will light the load.

• The circuit is open and will light the load.

• The circuit is open and will not light the load.

• The circuit is not in a complete path

Student Whiteboard: Open or
Closed Circuit?

Response Card to explain how you know.

Multiple Choice

Review the question, select your answer below:

• A

• B

• C

• D

Explain your reasoning.

Short Constructed
Response (SCR)

Which LED lights will
light up? Explain how
you know with evidence
from the model.

DOL

Given 5 questions, I will define and identify the basic
parts of a circuit, identify open vs closed circuits, and
explain how the parts of a circuit work together to
power electronics with 100% accuracy.

A - 5/5
S2 - ⅘
S1 - ⅗
L - ⅖