Science Common Sense

237 - What is the difference between an open and a closed circuit?

Imagine you have a loop of wire with a small light bulb and a battery.

An open circuit is like a broken loop where the wire is disconnected somewhere. The electricity can't flow through the wire because there's a gap, so the light bulb won't turn on.

A closed circuit is a complete loop where the wire is connected all the way around. The electricity can flow from the battery, through the wire, and into the light bulb, making it turn on.

Think of it like water flowing through a pipe. If the pipe is broken (open circuit), the water won't flow. If the pipe is connected (closed circuit), the water will flow and the light bulb (or whatever is at the end) will work.