CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 12: Electricity and Circuits NCERT Solutions
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: Electricity and Circuits, 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 completing or breaking an electric circuit. The solutions explain why bulbs glow or don't glow in different circuit arrangements and how to construct a working circuit. This resource is designed to help students grasp these essential scientific principles, build a strong foundation in electricity, and prepare effectively for their examinations by offering detailed problem-solving guidance.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 12: Electricity and Circuits |
Chapter summary
Chapter 12 of Class 6 Science focuses on Electricity and Circuits. The NCERT Solutions cover key concepts like electric cells, terminals, switches, conductors, and insulators. They explain the conditions necessary for a bulb to glow and how to complete an electric circuit. The exercises involve filling in blanks, identifying true/false statements, explaining circuit behavior, and identifying components. These solutions aim to build a foundational understanding of basic electrical principles.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the components of an electric circuit, such as cells and bulbs.
- Identify the function of a switch in controlling an electric circuit.
- Differentiate between conductors and insulators.
- Explain why a bulb glows or does not glow in a given circuit.
- Complete a circuit diagram to make a bulb glow.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Electric Cell
- Terminals of a Cell
- Electric Circuit
- Electric Switch
- Conductors
- Insulators
- Bulb Glowing
- Circuit Completion
Important topics
- Understanding Electric Circuits
- Role of Switches
- Conductors vs. Insulators
- Conditions for Bulb to Glow
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
(a) A device that is used to break an electric circuit is called ______.
(b) An electric cell has ______ terminals.
(a) A device that is used to break or complete an electric circuit is called a switch.
(b) An electric cell has two terminals, typically a positive (+) and a negative (-).
Question 2
(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.
(a) True. Metals are good conductors of electricity, allowing electric current to flow through them.
(b) False. A jute string is an insulator and does not allow electric current to pass through it, so it cannot be used to complete a circuit.
(c) False. Thermocol (thermocol) is an insulator and prevents the flow of electric current.
Question 3
(Refer to Fig. 12.13 which typically shows a bulb, a cell, and a screwdriver with its metal part in the circuit, but the plastic handle is breaking the connection.)
The bulb would not glow because the circuit is incomplete. The handle of the screwdriver is made of an insulating material (like plastic or rubber), which does not allow electricity to pass through it. For the bulb to glow, the electric circuit must be complete, allowing current to flow from the cell, through the bulb, and back to the cell.
Question 4
(Refer to Fig. 12.14 which typically shows a cell, a bulb, and two free wire ends that need to be connected to complete the circuit.)
To make the bulb glow, the free ends of the two wires must be joined in a way that creates a complete, unbroken circuit. This means connecting one wire to the positive terminal of the electric cell and the other wire to the negative terminal of the electric cell, with the bulb placed in between. The drawing should show these connections forming a continuous loop for the electric current to flow.
Question 5
The purpose of an electric switch is to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. It allows us to either complete the circuit (turning a device on) or break the circuit (turning a device off). Switches are essential for the safe and convenient operation of electrical devices.
Some electrical gadgets that have switches built into them include:
- Torches (flashlights)
- Radios
- Televisions (TVs)
- Mobile phones
- Electric toys
- Lamps
- Fans
Common mistakes
- Confusing conductors and insulators.
- Assuming a circuit will work if any string is used instead of a wire.
- Not understanding that a complete, unbroken path is needed for current flow.
Revision tips
- Review the definitions of conductor and insulator.
- Practice drawing complete circuits to make a bulb glow.
- Understand the role of the switch in both breaking and completing a circuit.
- Pay attention to the conditions required for a bulb to light up.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the primary function of an electric switch?
Explanation: A switch is designed to control the flow of electricity by either opening (breaking) or closing (completing) the circuit.
Q2. Which of the following materials is likely a conductor of electricity?
Explanation: Metals are good conductors of electricity, allowing current to flow through them easily, unlike insulators like rubber, plastic, or wood.
Q3. An electric cell has how many terminals?
Explanation: An electric cell, like a battery, typically has two terminals: a positive (+) and a negative (-), which are necessary for current to flow.
Q4. Why would a bulb not glow if a jute string is used instead of a metal wire in a circuit?
Explanation: Jute is an insulator, meaning it does not allow electric current to pass through it, thus preventing the circuit from being completed and the bulb from glowing.
Q5. What is the purpose of the handle of a screwdriver made of plastic or rubber?
Explanation: Plastic and rubber are insulators, used on the handles of tools like screwdrivers to prevent the user from getting an electric shock if the tool touches a live wire.
Frequently asked questions
What is an electric circuit?
An electric circuit is a complete and unbroken path through which electric current can flow. It typically includes a power source (like a cell), a device (like a bulb), and connecting wires.
What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
A conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily, such as metals. An insulator is a material that 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 if a bulb does not glow in a circuit?
If a bulb does not glow, it usually means the circuit is not complete (there's a break), the bulb is fused, the cell is dead, or an insulator is placed in the circuit where a conductor should be.
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