GSEB Class 6 Science Solutions Chapter 12 Electricity and Circuits

Question 1. Fill in the blanks:
(a) A device that is used to break an electric circuit is called _____.
(b) An electric cell has _____ terminals.
Answer:
(a) A device that helps to break an electric circuit is called a switch.
(b) An electric cell typically has two terminals.
In simple words: A switch stops or starts electricity in a circuit, and an electric cell always has two connection points.

Exam Tip: Remember that switches are essential for controlling the flow of electricity, and all cells need two distinct ends for a circuit to function.

Question 2. Mark 'True' or 'False' for the following statements:
(a) Electric current can flow through metals.
(b) Instead of metal wires, a jute string can be used to make a circuit.
(c) Electric current can pass through a sheet of thermocol.
Answer:
(a) True
(b) False
(c) False
In simple words: Metals let electricity pass easily, but materials like jute string and thermocol do not allow electricity to flow.

Exam Tip: Understand the difference between conductors (like metals) and insulators (like jute or thermocol) as it's a fundamental concept in electricity.

Question 3. Explain why the bulb would not glow in the arrangement shown in given Fig.
Answer: The bulb would not glow in the arrangement shown in the figure because one end of the tester/screwdriver is made from plastic. Plastic does not permit the electric current to flow through it.
In simple words: The bulb won't light up because the plastic part of the screwdriver stops the electricity from going through the circuit.

Exam Tip: For a bulb to glow, the entire circuit must be made of conducting materials, allowing current to flow continuously from the power source through the bulb and back.

Question 4. Complete the drawing shown in given Fig. to indicate where the free ends of the two wires should be joined to make the bulb glow.
Answer: To make the bulb glow, the two open ends of the wires should join to complete the circuit. One wire end ought to connect to one side of the bulb, and the other wire end should connect to the other side of the bulb. This arrangement makes sure that electricity moves from the battery, through the bulb, and then back to the battery, causing the bulb to light.
In simple words: To light the bulb, connect both loose wire ends to the bulb's two terminals to finish the electrical path.

Exam Tip: Always remember that a circuit needs to be closed and complete, with no breaks, for the bulb to light up. Both terminals of the bulb and the battery must be part of the continuous path.

Question 5. What is the purpose of using an electric switch? Name some electrical gadgets that have switches built into them.
Answer: An electric switch helps to open or close an electric circuit for a particular appliance. With the help of a switch, we can operate an appliance according to our wish. Some electrical gadgets that have built-in switches include an electric iron, an air conditioner (AC), and a microwave.
In simple words: An electric switch lets you turn an appliance on or off. Electric irons, ACs, and microwaves all have switches built into them.

Exam Tip: Switches provide control over electrical devices, allowing us to start or stop the flow of current safely and conveniently.

Question 6. Would the bulb glow after completing the circuit shown in Q. 4 if instead of safety pin we use an eraser?
Answer: No, the bulb would not glow. An eraser is an insulator, so it does not permit the current to pass through it. As a result, the bulb will not glow.
In simple words: No, the bulb wouldn't light up if you use an eraser instead of a safety pin because an eraser doesn't let electricity pass through.

Exam Tip: Only conductors allow electricity to flow and complete a circuit; insulators block the flow, preventing bulbs from glowing.

Question 7. Would the bulb glow in the circuit shown in Fig.
Answer: Yes, the electric circuit is closed, so the bulb will glow.
In simple words: Yes, because the electrical path is complete, the bulb will light up.

Exam Tip: A closed circuit means there is an unbroken path for electricity to travel from the power source, through the bulb, and back, which is necessary for the bulb to illuminate.

Question 8. Using the "conduction tester” on an object it was found that the bulb begins to glow. Is that object a conductor or an insulator? Explain.
Answer: Yes, if the object is a good conductor of electricity, then current will pass through the conduction tester, and the bulb will glow. Therefore, the object must be a conductor of electricity.
In simple words: If the bulb lights up when using a conduction tester, it means the object lets electricity pass through it, so it's a conductor.

Exam Tip: A conduction tester works by completing a circuit through the object. If the object conducts electricity, the circuit closes and the bulb lights up.

Question 9. Why should an electrician use rubber gloves while repairing an electric switch at your home? Explain.
Answer: Our body is a good conductor of electricity, and rubber is an insulator. During repair work, if the body comes into contact with a current-carrying wire, there will be no accident because rubber does not permit the passage of current through it. Hence, electricians use rubber gloves while fixing an electric switch.
In simple words: Electricians wear rubber gloves because our bodies conduct electricity, but rubber does not. The gloves protect them from electric shocks during repairs.

Exam Tip: Insulating materials like rubber are crucial for safety when working with electricity, as they prevent current from flowing through the body.

Question 10. The handles of the tools like screwdrivers and pliers used by electricians for repair work usually have plastic or rubber covers on them. Can you explain why?
Answer: Plastic or rubber is an insulator, which does not allow electric current to pass through it. The handles of tools like screwdrivers and pliers used by electricians for repair have a covering of plastic or rubber so that electric current may not pass through these tools to the body of the electrician to harm him.
In simple words: Tool handles are covered in plastic or rubber because these materials stop electricity from passing through. This protects the electrician from getting hurt by electric current.

Exam Tip: Always prioritize safety by using tools with insulated handles when performing electrical tasks to prevent accidental electrocution.