A circuit is like a central heating system in a house:

Boiler and

pump

radiator

High pressurelow pressure

There is a pump that pushes water round the system. The water everywhere starts to move AT THE SAME TIME.

There are pipes that CARRY the water.

In the pipes the water is FLOWING.

flow ofwater

An electrical circuit is very similar to a central heating system.The bulb in the circuit is like a radiator. An electrical device uses electrical energy supplied by the circuit.

Instead of a flow of water, electricity flows in an electrical circuit. The wires are like pipes; they carry the electricity(called current) round the circuit.

The electrical current is pushed by the battery, which has the same function as the pump and boiler. The strength of push provided by the battery is called its voltage.