What is the definition of an electric circuit?

An electric circuit is defined as a complete path through which current can flow. This definition emphasizes that for an electric circuit to function, it must be a closed loop that allows electrons to move freely along a pathway, typically composed of conductive materials. When the circuit is complete, electrical energy can be efficiently transported from the power source to various components, such as resistors, capacitors, and loads.

The significance of this definition lies in the fact that any interruption in the path—such as a break in the wiring or an open switch—will halt the flow of current, effectively rendering the circuit inoperative. Thus, understanding that a circuit must be complete is fundamental to grasping the basic principles of electricity and circuit design.

In contrast, the other options pertain to concepts that, while related to electricity, do not define a circuit itself. A device to store electrical energy refers to components like batteries or capacitors, while a path for electromagnetic waves does not involve current flow in a circuit context. Lastly, a measurement of electric resistance relates to how many ohms impede the flow of current in a circuit but does not describe what a circuit is.