How circuits work

An electric circuit is a path that electric current can travel around. A simple circuit usually has a cell or battery, connecting wires and a component such as a lamp. The path must be complete for the lamp to light. A closed switch joins the path; an open switch leaves a gap. Materials that let current pass through them are conductors. Most metals conduct electricity. Materials such as rubber and dry wood are insulators, so they do not let current pass through easily.