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Science Concept: How Electricity Travels

Electricity travels in a loop called a circuit. A circuit has an energy source and wires; it may also have a load and a switch. There must be no breaks in the loop in order for current to flow. A loop with no breaks is called a closed circuit. An open circuit has a break.

Your home is part of a large circuit. The generating plant is the energy source, transmission and distribution lines are the wires that connect the plant to your home, the lights and appliances in your home are the load, and on/off switches on the walls and appliances open and close the circuit.