NCERT Class 7 Science Chapter 3
Electricity: Circuits and Their Components
This chapter introduces CBSE Class 7 students to electric circuits, their components, and how electricity flows through them. Students learn to distinguish between conductors and insulators, understand series and parallel circuits, and explore the role of switches, bulbs, and cells in a circuit. Practical activities help students build and test simple circuits.
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Key Terms
- Electric Circuit
- A closed path through which electric current flows, consisting of a source (cell or battery), connecting wires, and electrical components.
- Conductor
- A material that allows electric current to pass through it easily. Metals like copper and aluminium are good conductors.
- Insulator
- A material that does not allow electric current to pass through it. Rubber, plastic, and wood are common insulators.
- Series Circuit
- A circuit in which all components are connected end-to-end in a single path, so the same current flows through each component.
- Parallel Circuit
- A circuit in which components are connected across the same two points, providing multiple paths for current to flow.
- Switch
- A device used to break or complete an electric circuit, controlling the flow of current to components like bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electric circuit in Class 7?▾
An electric circuit is a closed loop that allows electric current to flow from a source such as a battery, through connecting wires and components like bulbs or motors, and back to the source.
What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?▾
A conductor allows electric current to pass through it easily, like copper wire. An insulator does not allow current to flow, like the rubber coating on a wire, which prevents electric shocks.
What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?▾
In a series circuit, all components are connected in one path, so if one component fails, the whole circuit stops. In a parallel circuit, components are connected on separate branches, so each works independently even if one fails.
Why does a bulb glow in a circuit?▾
A bulb glows because it contains a thin wire called a filament made of tungsten. When electric current passes through the filament, it heats up and produces light.
What happens when a switch is open in a circuit?▾
When a switch is open, it breaks the circuit by creating a gap in the conducting path. No current flows through the circuit, so any connected bulbs or devices stop working.
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