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Science Quiz - Electrical Circuits (Questions)

Electricity powers our modern world. In KS2 Science, pupils learn how circuits, switches, and components make devices work safely and effectively at home and in school.

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Fascinating Fact:

When you rub a balloon on your hair, the tiny charges that build up can actually light a very small bulb – that’s electricity at work!

In KS2 Science, electrical circuits show how current flows through wires, bulbs, and switches. Understanding these basics helps pupils see how everyday appliances function.

Key Terms

Current: The flow of electric charge through a circuit.
Conductor: A material, like metal, that lets electricity pass easily.
Switch: A device used to open or close a circuit to control electricity.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is an electrical circuit in KS2 Science?

An electrical circuit is a complete loop made of wires and components like bulbs or buzzers that allows electricity to flow and make things work.

Why are switches important in circuits?

Switches are important because they control the flow of electricity. They let you turn devices on or off safely without disconnecting the wires.

What materials conduct electricity?

Materials like copper, aluminum, and iron are good conductors. Rubber, plastic, and wood are insulators, meaning they block the flow of electricity.

Try These Related Quizzes

1.

What is an electrical circuit?

[ ]	A collection of electrical equipment
[ ]	A path around which electrical current flows
[ ]	A series of conductors and insulators
[ ]	A light bulb and battery

2.

A material which allows electrical current to pass through it is called what?

[ ]	An insulator
[ ]	A cell
[ ]	A connection
[ ]	A conductor

3.

With which group of items could you not build a complete circuit?

[ ]	Crocodile leads, bulbs, switch, buzzer
[ ]	Bulbs, crocodile leads, cell
[ ]	Cell, switch, buzzer, crocodile leads
[ ]	Wires, bulb, cell

4.

What symbol is used in a circuit diagram to represent a bulb?

[ ]	A circle
[ ]	Two parallel lines: one short and one long
[ ]	An X inside a circle
[ ]	The letter M inside a circle

5.

Which of these materials would not be a good electrical conductor?

[ ]	Copper
[ ]	Glass
[ ]	Silver
[ ]	Iron

6.

Why are electrical wires covered with plastic or rubber?

[ ]	Plastic and rubber are comfortable materials to touch
[ ]	Smooth materials keep wires from getting tangled
[ ]	Plastic and rubber are good electrical insulators
[ ]	Plastic and rubber can be made in different colours so people can tell different leads apart

7.

What will a circuit with an open switch do?

[ ]	It will not allow electricity to pass through
[ ]	It will allow electricity to pass through
[ ]	It will resist electricity
[ ]	It will make a good electrical insulator

8.

Besides cells, or batteries, what is another source of electrical power?

[ ]	Lightbulbs
[ ]	Motors
[ ]	Petrol
[ ]	Electricity mains

9.

You have made a simple circuit with one bulb. If you wanted to add an extra bulb without the first bulb dimming, what would you need to design?

[ ]	A series circuit
[ ]	A parallel circuit
[ ]	A complex circuit
[ ]	An incomplete circuit

10.

Why might a circuit fail to work?

[ ]	It might have a dead battery
[ ]	It might have two leads connected to the positive pole of the battery and none connected to the negative
[ ]	It might have a break in the circuit
[ ]	All of the above

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Electrical components

Science Quiz - Electrical Circuits (Answers)

1.

What is an electrical circuit?

[ ]	A collection of electrical equipment
[x]	A path around which electrical current flows
[ ]	A series of conductors and insulators
[ ]	A light bulb and battery

Electrical current flows in one direction from the negative pole of a battery around a complete circuit to the positive pole of the battery

2.

A material which allows electrical current to pass through it is called what?

[ ]	An insulator
[ ]	A cell
[ ]	A connection
[x]	A conductor

Metals make good conductors

3.

With which group of items could you not build a complete circuit?

[x]	Crocodile leads, bulbs, switch, buzzer
[ ]	Bulbs, crocodile leads, cell
[ ]	Cell, switch, buzzer, crocodile leads
[ ]	Wires, bulb, cell

Cells, or batteries, are the source of energy in a circuit

4.

What symbol is used in a circuit diagram to represent a bulb?

[ ]	A circle
[ ]	Two parallel lines: one short and one long
[x]	An X inside a circle
[ ]	The letter M inside a circle

The letter M inside a circle represents a motor

5.

Which of these materials would not be a good electrical conductor?

[ ]	Copper
[x]	Glass
[ ]	Silver
[ ]	Iron

Most metals are excellent electrical conductors. Some metals, such as aluminium, do not conduct electricity as well as other metals

6.

Why are electrical wires covered with plastic or rubber?

[ ]	Plastic and rubber are comfortable materials to touch
[ ]	Smooth materials keep wires from getting tangled
[x]	Plastic and rubber are good electrical insulators
[ ]	Plastic and rubber can be made in different colours so people can tell different leads apart

Covering electrical wires in insulating materials such as rubber and plastic makes the leads safe to touch - an exposed wire is extremely dangerous and should NEVER be touched

7.

What will a circuit with an open switch do?

[x]	It will not allow electricity to pass through
[ ]	It will allow electricity to pass through
[ ]	It will resist electricity
[ ]	It will make a good electrical insulator

If the switch is open then there is a break in the circuit. By closing the switch the circuit is made complete

8.

Besides cells, or batteries, what is another source of electrical power?

[ ]	Lightbulbs
[ ]	Motors
[ ]	Petrol
[x]	Electricity mains

Mains electricity is the most common power source used in homes

9.

You have made a simple circuit with one bulb. If you wanted to add an extra bulb without the first bulb dimming, what would you need to design?

[ ]	A series circuit
[x]	A parallel circuit
[ ]	A complex circuit
[ ]	An incomplete circuit

Unlike a series circuit, the lamps stay bright if you add more in a parallel circuit

10.

Why might a circuit fail to work?

[ ]	It might have a dead battery
[ ]	It might have two leads connected to the positive pole of the battery and none connected to the negative
[ ]	It might have a break in the circuit
[x]	All of the above

Dead batteries, incorrectly wired leads and breaks in the circuit are just some of the reasons why a circuit might not work