CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 12: Electricity and Circuits NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts of electricity and circuits, crucial for understanding how electrical devices function. The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science, Chapter 12, provide clear explanations and step-by-step answers to the exercises. Students will learn about electric cells, terminals, conductors, insulators, and the role of switches in controlling electric flow. The solutions explain why bulbs glow or don't glow in different circuit arrangements and how to complete a circuit for optimal function. This resource is designed to help students grasp these essential scientific principles, build a strong foundation in basic electronics, and prepare effectively for their examinations by clarifying complex ideas with simple, accurate answers.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 12

Chapter summary

Chapter 12 of the Class 6 Science NCERT syllabus focuses on Electricity and Circuits. The provided NCERT Solutions cover key concepts such as electric cells, terminals, conductors, and insulators. They explain the function of a switch in making or breaking a circuit and illustrate how to construct a working circuit for a bulb to glow. The solutions address common misconceptions and provide clear explanations for phenomena related to electric circuits.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the components of an electric circuit, including cells and terminals.
  • Differentiate between conductors and insulators.
  • Explain the function of an electric switch.
  • Identify situations where an electric circuit is complete or broken.
  • Apply knowledge to complete a circuit diagram for a bulb to glow.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Electricity
  • Circuits
  • Electric Cell
  • Terminals of a cell
  • Conductors
  • Insulators
  • Electric Switch
  • Completing a circuit
  • Bulb glowing

Important topics

  • Understanding electric circuits
  • Role of conductors and insulators
  • Function of an electric switch
  • Conditions for a bulb to glow

PDF preview

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Questions and Solutions

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.

Solution:

(a) A device that is used to break or complete an electric circuit is called a switch. A switch allows you to control the flow of electricity to a device.

(b) An electric cell, which is a source of electrical energy, has two terminals: a positive terminal (+) and a negative terminal (-).

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 thermo Col.

Solution:

(a) True. Metals are generally good conductors of electricity, meaning electric current can flow through them easily.

(b) False. A jute string is made of natural fibers and acts as an insulator, preventing the flow of electric current. Metal wires are needed to complete the circuit.

(c) False. Thermocol (thermocol) is a type of plastic, which is an electrical insulator. It does not allow electric current to pass through it.

Question 3

Explain why the bulb would not glow in the arrangement shown in Fig. 12.13.

(Note: Fig. 12.13 is not provided in the source text, but the solution implies it shows a circuit with a screw where the handle is an insulator.)

Solution:

The bulb would not glow because the circuit is incomplete. If the arrangement includes a screw, and its handle is made of an insulating material like plastic or rubber, then electricity cannot flow through the handle. For the bulb to glow, the electric current must be able to flow continuously through a conducting path from the power source, through the bulb, and back to the source. An insulator in the path breaks this continuity.

Question 4

Complete the drawing shown in Fig 12.14 to indicate where the free ends of the two wires should be joined to make the bulb glow.

(Note: Fig. 12.14 is not provided in the source text, but the solution implies it shows an incomplete circuit.)

Solution:

To make the bulb glow, the free ends of the two wires must be joined in a way that completes the electric circuit. This means connecting them to form an unbroken path from one terminal of the electric cell, through the bulb, and back to the other terminal of the cell. Typically, this involves connecting one wire to the positive terminal of the cell and the other wire to the negative terminal, with the bulb placed in between these connections. The drawing should show these connections forming a continuous loop.

Question 5

What is the purpose of using an electric switch? Name some electrical gadgets that have switches built into them.
Solution:

The purpose of an electric switch is to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. It acts as a gate that can either complete the circuit (allowing current to flow and the device to operate) or break the circuit (stopping the current flow and turning the device off). This provides a safe and convenient way to operate electrical appliances.

Some electrical gadgets that have switches built into them include:

  • Radios
  • Televisions (TVs)
  • Mobile phones
  • Torches (flashlights)
  • Electric toys
  • Lamps
  • Fans

Common mistakes

  • Confusing conductors and insulators.
  • Assuming a circuit will work with any material, not just conductors.
  • Not understanding that a circuit must be complete for current to flow.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of conductor and insulator.
  • Draw simple circuit diagrams to visualize current flow.
  • Practice identifying complete and incomplete circuits.
  • Understand the role of the switch in controlling the circuit.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary function of an electric switch?

Q2. Which of the following materials is likely to be a conductor of electricity?

Q3. An electric cell has how many terminals?

Q4. Why would a bulb not glow if a jute string is used instead of a metal wire in a circuit?

Frequently asked questions

What is an electric circuit?

An electric circuit is a complete path through which electric current can flow. It typically includes a power source (like an electric cell), conducting wires, and a device (like a bulb).

What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?

A conductor allows electricity to pass through it easily, such as metals. An insulator does not allow electricity to pass through it, such as rubber or plastic.

Why is a switch important in an electric circuit?

A switch is used to control the flow of electricity. It can either complete the circuit, allowing current to flow and the device to work, or break the circuit, stopping the current flow.

How can I make a bulb glow using an electric cell and wires?

You need to connect the positive terminal of the cell to one end of the bulb holder and the negative terminal of the cell to the other end of the bulb holder using conducting wires, ensuring the circuit is complete.

What does it mean for a circuit to be 'complete'?

A circuit is complete when there is an unbroken path for the electric current to flow from the power source, through the components, and back to the source.

Important links

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