Electricity can flow from a positive to a negative lead with the help of circuits.Simple circuits are a great way to teach basic electrical concepts.A qualified adult should be present when working with electricity.It's not hard to build a circuit if you have a power source, some wires, and a light bulb.If you want to learn more about circuits, you can attach a simple switch that will turn the bulb on and off.It does demonstrate open and closed circuits nicely.
Step 1: There is a bulb holder.
A bulb holder is a device that holds a light bulb.There are 2 terminals in it.There is a positive and a negative lead.You can pass a current through the light bulb holder.It is important to use a low-powered light bulb.
Step 2: Remove the wire covering from the 2 copper wires.
You should use different colored wires.You will be able to distinguish between positive and negative leads.Use a knife or wire strippers to remove the plastic insulation from the wires.The copper wire is exposed.Red and black wires are the most common, but you can use other colors, like red and white.Don't cut through the wire.The plastic insulation on the wire needs to be cut through.You can remove it from the wire after you cut it.As you cut through the plastic insulation over the wire, be careful not to cut too deep.If you cut into the copper wire, you could cause it to break.
Step 3: The positive lead should be connected.
Red wire is usually used to connect the positive end.One end of the red wire is connected to the bulb holder.The positive lead on the battery should be touched by the other end of the red wire.Pick one of your two colors to be the positive wire if you weren't able to get any red wires.
Step 4: The negative lead needs to be connected.
Black wire can be used to connect the negative end.One end of the wire should touch the terminal on the bulb holder, not the positive wire.When you are ready to light the bulb, the other end of the wire can be disconnected.
Step 5: The bulb should be light.
The battery has a negative terminal on the end of a black wire.This completes the circuit.The bulb lights up when the electricity flows through it.
Step 6: Put the power pack in.
The power pack needs to be on a level surface.The power pack needs to be plugged into an outlet.This will give you a steady supply of power.The wire should be plugged into the power pack.It is important to choose a light bulb that is within the range of the power pack.When you turn on the power, set it to the lowest possible voltage so that you don't burn the bulb.
Step 7: The light needs to be connected.
The light needs to be put into a bulb holder.The power pack needs to be connected to one of the terminal on the bulb holder.The light will light up when both leads are connected.The power pack should be plugged in and turned on if the light does not light up.
Step 8: The voltage needs to be adjusted.
You can change the dial on your power pack.The brightness of the light can be demonstrated by doing this.As the voltage goes down, the light should be dimmer and brighter.The bulb is rated for what the voltage is.
Step 9: Cut a wire lead.
Before cutting any leads, remove power from the circuit.If you cut the positive or negative lead, it doesn't matter.A pair of wire cutters can be used to cut the lead.Control of the circuit will be provided by the switch.It is dangerous to cut into a live wire.Before cutting leads, make sure the circuit is disconnected.
Step 10: Attach the lead wire to the switch.
You can attach the lead wires to the switch if you cut 1 of them.There are 2 simple terminals on the switch.Attach the wire from the battery to one of the terminals.The other terminal should be left alone.
Step 11: Attach the lead wire to the bulb.
The bulb holder terminal should have a second piece of wire attached to it.Attach the piece of wire to the second terminal.This will finish the circuit.This will not complete the circuit and allow the bulb to be turned on.You have to flip the switch in order for that to happen.Attach the switch to the circuit and make sure it's off.When you attach the wire from the switch to the bulb holder terminal, there will be voltage present.The light bulb can be removed from the holder to open the circuit.
Step 12: The switch needs to be turned on.
When you flip the switch on and off, it will open and close the circuit.This can either prevent or allow electricity to flow.The light will be off when the circuit is open.The light will turn on when the circuit is closed.