What is the minimum requirement for a complete electric circuit?

A complete electric circuit must consist of a power source, a load, and conducting wires that connect these elements. The power source provides the electrical energy needed to drive the current through the circuit, while the load serves as a device that consumes the electrical energy, such as a light bulb or motor. Conducting wires are necessary to create a pathway that allows the flow of electric current from the power source to the load and back.

The inclusion of only wires and a load does not establish a complete circuit because there is no power source to provide the necessary voltage and current. Similarly, while a switch and grounding are important in many circuits for controlling and protecting the system, they are not minimum requirements to establish a functioning circuit. A power source and a switch alone would not be sufficient because, without the load, there would be no current flow to make the circuit operational. Thus, the presence of all three components—a power source, load, and wires—is essential to form a complete electric circuit.