Open and Closed Circuits: How Electricity Flows in a Circuit for Class 6

Open and Closed Circuits are an important concept in electricity that helps us understand how electric current flows in a circuit. From switching on a light to using a fan, everything works based on whether a circuit is open or closed. Have you ever noticed that a bulb glows only when the switch is ON? And it stops glowing when the switch is OFF? This simple action is directly related to open and closed circuits. 

But how does this actually happen? And what is the difference between them? In this article, we will understand open and closed circuits with open and closed circuit diagrams. 

Table of Contents

• What is an Electric Circuit?
• What is a Closed Circuit?
• What is an Open Circuit?
• Electric Switch and Its Role
• How to Draw a Circuit Diagram using Symbols?
• Importance of Open and Closed Circuits

What is an Electric Circuit?

An electric circuit is said to be a closed or a complete circuit when it allows the current to flow through it. When a circuit is closed, the electrical appliance will work. 

On the other hand, a circuit that does not allow the current to flow through it is said to be an open or an incomplete circuit. It only happens when the components of the circuit are not connected to each other, or the connection is broken. 

In such a case, the electrical appliance connected to the circuit does not work. Current can flow only through a closed circuit.

What is a Closed Circuit?

A closed circuit is a complete path in which electric current can flow continuously. 

When the circuit is closed, the electrical appliance connected to it works properly.

What is an Open Circuit?

An open circuit is an incomplete path where electric current cannot flow. This happens when the connection is broken or the components are not properly connected. 

In this case, the electrical appliance does not work.

Electric Switch and Its Role

An electric switch is a device that is used to open or close an electric circuit. When we turn a switch on, the circuit is closed, and the current flows through it, causing the electrical appliance to start working. 

When we turn the switch off, the circuit is open, and the path is broken. As a result, no current flows through it. In this case, the electrical appliance does not work.

How to Draw a Circuit Diagram using Symbols?

A circuit can be easily represented using conventional symbols of the components used in the circuit. 

A circuit diagram is drawn using the symbols of the components of the circuit. And it makes it easier to understand how the electrical components are connected to each other. The following table shows the conventional symbols for some common electrical components.

After using all symbols properly, the final circuit diagram for closed and open circuits is shown below.

Importance of Open and Closed Circuits

Closed circuits are important because they allow electricity to flow continuously. 

When the circuit is complete, devices like bulbs, fans, and machines work properly. When a switch is ON, it creates a closed path and lets current flow. 

This also helps convert electrical energy into light, heat, or motion.

Open circuits are equally important because they stop the flow of electricity when the path is broken. 

When a switch is OFF, or there is a loose connection, the circuit becomes open and current stops flowing. 

This helps save energy and also ensures safety by preventing accidents.

And so far, we’ve seen that even a small break in a circuit can stop an entire device from working. We learned that a closed circuit allows current to flow, while an open circuit stops the flow of electricity.