8. Describe the function of the following: (4 marks) a.) Switch: b.) Electric load: c.) Conducting wires: d.) Battery:

a.) **Switch:** A switch is an electrical component that can interrupt the flow of electric current in a circuit. It acts like a gate, either allowing electricity to pass through (closed/on position) or blocking it (open/off position). This allows us to control when and where electricity flows in a circuit, turning devices on and off.<br /><br />b.) **Electric load:** An electric load is any component in a circuit that consumes electrical power and converts it into another form of energy. Examples include light bulbs (converting electricity to light and heat), motors (converting electricity to mechanical energy), and heaters (converting electricity to heat). Essentially, the load is what the circuit is powering.<br /><br />c.) **Conducting wires:** Conducting wires are materials, usually made of metal like copper, that allow electricity to flow easily through them. They provide a low-resistance path for the electric current to travel between the power source and the load. Think of them as the "roads" for electricity within a circuit.<br /><br />d.) **Battery:** A battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it into electrical energy. It provides the electrical potential difference (voltage) needed to push electrons through a circuit and power the load. A battery acts as the power source for circuits that are not connected directly to the mains electricity supply.<br />