Question

part 2: short answer

1. explain the difference between a closed circuit and a broken/open circuit.

1. why are power strips considered parallel circuits?

Explanation:

Sub - question 1

A closed circuit has a continuous path for electric current to flow (e.g., a complete loop with a power source, wires, and a load like a bulb, so current can move from positive to negative terminal of the source). An open/broken circuit has a break in the path (e.g., a cut wire or a switch in off position), so current cannot flow.

In a power strip, each device (like a lamp, a computer) plugged into it is connected across the same two points (the power source's terminals). So, the voltage across each device is the same (equal to the source voltage), and if one device is disconnected (e.g., unplugged), the others still work (since their paths are independent), which is the characteristic of a parallel circuit (components have independent branches, same voltage across them, and failure of one doesn't affect others).

Answer:

In a closed circuit, there is a continuous conductive path, allowing electric current to flow (e.g., a complete loop with a power source, components, and unbroken wires). In an open/broken circuit, the conductive path is interrupted (e.g., due to a break in wires, a switch in “off” position), so electric current cannot flow.

Sub - question 2