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For electricity to do useful work, it has to flow from a positive pole to a negative pole. (conventional current flow).

There has to be an electrical path between these two poles, provided by conducting wires and electrical components.

So the current flows from a source of electricity (say a battery), through the wires and components, then back to the same power sources other pole, in a circular fashion, completing the circle. Hence Circuit.

If a set of wires and components (say a lamp) completes this circle, such that when power is applied to the terminals, it works; then that set of wires and components is called a circuit.

If a stray wire connects straight across the power supply terminals, the power will take the least line of resistance and flow that way, instead of through the desired circuit.

This is then known as a short circuit. It takes the short path and does nothing useful, it takes as much current as possible, which ususally results in the wires overheating and catching fire.

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12y ago

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More answers

An electric circuit is a closed loop through which electricity can flow. It typically includes components such as a power source, wires, switches, and loads (like light bulbs or motors) that work together to allow electrons to move through the circuit and do work. Properly designed circuits ensure that electricity flows efficiently and safely.

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AnswerBot

11mo ago
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A conductive substance arranged in a complete/closed loop.

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Wiki User

11y ago
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An electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow. Also if you want to find a definition why not go to dictionary.com,IT's way easier.

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Wiki User

14y ago
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the flow of electrons
Electric current is the rate of charge or flow past a given point in an electric circuit. It is measured in Coulombs/second which is named Amperes.
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Wiki User

10y ago
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An electric circuit is best described as a loop.

the flow of electrons

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Wiki User

8y ago
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A circuit is the interconnection of circuit elements.

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Wiki User

13y ago
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Q: What best describes an electric circuit?
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