How to Make a Circuit Using a D Cell Battery & a Light Bulb

One of the most basic teaching aids and science projects in the field of electrical engineering is the light bulb circuit. The idea is to demonstrate that electricity will flow around a continuous path, or circuit, as long as power is being supplied to the circuit. In this experiment, the D-cell battery is the power source, the light bulb indicates whether or not electricity is flowing and the small piece of wire provides a path for the electricity to follow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• D-cell battery Small piece of wire (about 2 inches) 1.5 V light bulb (Many flashlight bulbs will work) Tape

1. Attach one end of the wire to the negative terminal of the D-cell battery with a small piece of tape. Pull back enough of the wire's insulation to expose the bare wire.

2. Attach the other end of the wire to the side bulb at the base with a small piece of tape, once again ensuring bare wire is exposed. Don't cover the bottom of the bulb with tape.

3. Touch the bottom of the bulb to the top of the positive terminal of the D-cell battery. This should complete the circuit and light the bulb.

4. If the bulb did not light, make sure there is nothing between the metal of the light bulb base and D-cell positive terminal. You can also try touching the side of the bulb opposite the wire to the positive terminal if there is no tape covering it.

Tips & Warnings

• Add bulb sockets and switches into the circuit. This experimentation will help in understanding basic circuits.