Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the term for a closed path that allows electricity to flow from the source to an appliance?

1. Open Circuit

2. Closed Circuit

3. Conductor

4. Transformer

The correct answer is: Closed Circuit

A closed circuit is the term used to describe a complete electrical path that enables electricity to flow uninterrupted from the power source to an appliance. In a closed circuit, there are no breaks or interruptions in the connections, allowing the current to travel from one component to the next and perform its intended function, such as powering a device. In contrast, an open circuit is one that has an interruption or break in the path, preventing the flow of electricity. This means that appliances or devices connected to an open circuit will not function because the current cannot complete its journey. The term conductor refers to materials that transmit electricity, such as copper or aluminum, rather than describing the configuration of the electrical path itself. A transformer, on the other hand, is a device used to change the voltage of electricity in a circuit, but it does not define the path of electricity flow. Thus, the correct identification of a closed circuit clearly highlights the essential feature of a complete electrical loop necessary for appliance operation.