Final answer:
The path that electricity follows to power an appliance from a source is called an electric circuit. An electric circuit is a closed loop that allows current to flow from the source, through the appliance, and back.
Step-by-step explanation:
The path in which the electricity leaves the source and travels to an appliance to power it is known as an electric circuit. An electric circuit provides a closed loop that enables current to flow from the voltage source, through wires and the appliance, and back to the source. This circuit can be simple, involving just a voltage source, a load (the appliance), and conducting wires, or more complex, incorporating elements like switches, circuit breakers or fuses, and possibly even ground connections to ensure safety.
In the context of alternating current (AC), which is commonly used in households, the current flows from the power lines or electrical generator into the home, and through appliances, providing the needed energy to operate them. The schematics in textbooks help visualize these concepts by using standard symbols to represent the essential components of these circuits.