Basics of Electrical Circuits

Which of these best completes the circuit?

• rubber band
• metal nail
• leather shoelace
• wooden toothpick

Electrical lights will not come on unless their electrical circuit is a --

• parallel circuit
• series circuit
• closed circuit
• short circuit

A fifth grade class constructed this circuit.  Which of these objects most likely made the light glow when connected to points X and Y?

• plastic straw
• cotton string
• aluminum foil
• rubber eraser

A class prepared some electrical circuits using battery, connecting wires, and three light bulbs.  Which of these circuits can make the three bulbs light?

• A
• B
• C
• D

The electrician in this picture is wearing rubber gloves for protection.  The purpose of the rubber gloves is to --

• keep the electrician dry
• create an electrical circuit
• produce electricity
• protect the electrician

Which of these substances conducts electricity the best?

• wood
• brick
• copper
• plastic

What material would be safest to use as an insulator to cover electrical wires?

• rubber
• tin
• aluminum
• water

This instrument can be used to see if materials conduct electricity.  Which of these groups contains items that could all conduct electricity to complete the circuit?

• rubber ball, plastic comb, nail
• paper clip, penny, screw
• cork, dollar bill, tweezers
• pencil, eraser, spoon

water is a______?

• conductor
• insulator

materials that allow electricity to flow through them are called

• conductors
• current
• fuse
• resistor