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An electric current is a flow of electric charge. In metal wires the charge is carried by tiny particles called electrons. A battery gives the energy that pushes the current round the circuit.

Current only flows when there is a complete loop, a closed circuit, from the battery through the components and back. A switch breaks or completes the loop.

Materials that let electricity flow easily are conductors: metals such as copper, because they contain electrons that can move freely. Materials that do not let it flow are insulators: glass, rubber and plastic. That is why electric cables are copper wire inside a plastic or rubber coat.

Experiment: Conductor or insulator?

1. Build a circuit: battery, bulb and wires, but leave a gap between two crocodile clips.
2. Touch the two clips together: the bulb should light. This checks your circuit works.
3. Predict for each object: will the bulb light? Write it down.
4. Clip each object into the gap, one at a time. Does the bulb light?
5. Sort your objects into conductors and insulators. What do the conductors have in common?

Object	Prediction	Did the bulb light?	Conductor or insulator?
Steel spoon
Plastic ruler
Aluminium foil
Wooden stick
Rubber band
Coin

Questions

1. Draw a circuit with a battery, a switch and a bulb. Label each part.

2. Name two conductors and two insulators.

3. Why is copper wire covered with plastic?

4. What is the difference between a series and a parallel circuit?

Sources for every fact on this sheet: echoesof.science/school/electricity/sources/

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