Electrical Engineering Flashcards
what is the conventional current direction?
negative terminal to positive terminal
What is dc?
In direct current, electrons move in the same direction
What is ac?
alternating current, moving back and forth
What is a parallel circuit?
Parallel circuit: A type of circuit containing 2 or more branches or paths for electrons to take.
What is a series circuit?
Series circuit: The type of circuit contains only one path for electrons to flow.
What is the function of the power supply?
Power Supply: The function that provides the energy to
make the current flow through the wires and components
of the circuit. It gives the electrons the push they need to
flow through the circuit. Components that perform this
function are: batteries, outlets and photovoltaic cells
(solar panels)
What is the function of conduction?
Conduction: The function that allows electrons to flow through. Electricity is conducted
mainly by wires that carry the electrons throughout the circuit.
What is the insulation?
Insulation: The function that stops electrons from flowing through the circuit.
What is the function of protection for a circuit?
Protection: The function performed by any component that can automatically cut current
flow in the event of a power surge (short circuit or overheating). The current is cut by
these components to prevent fire or electrical shock.
What is resistance?
D) Resistance: A function performed by a resistor designed to
limit the flow of electrons through the circuit. A high
resistance means a low current intensity (less electrons
flowing through) and a low resistance means a high current
(more electrons going through). Resistance is measured in
ohms (Ω).
What’s an ohm?
the SI unit of electrical resistance, expressing the resistance in a circuit transmitting a current of one ampere when subjected to a potential difference of on
What is control?
Control: The function that can open and close a
circuit. An open circuit does not allow electrons
to flow through since they cannot make a full
loop. A closed circuit allows electrons to flow
through since they can make a full loop.
Different types of switches exist: rocker switch,
toggle switch, push-button switch, magnetic
contact switch.
(est) what is a Diode?
It is a device that allows electrons to flow in only one direction. Some
diodes convert alternating current into direct current. Other diodes
emit light (LEDs).
(Est) what is a capacitor?
A capacitor is a component that stores an electrical charge until it is ready to be used. Once
released, it produces a large amount of energy in a short amount of time.
What is the transformation of energy?
Electrical energy can be described as the energy generated by moving electrons through a circuit.
In order to be useful to us, electrical energy must be transformed into another form of energy.
This job is performed by any component that can transform electrical energy into another form
of energy. For example, heating elements (electrical energy to thermal energy), motors (electrical
energy to mechanical energy) and light bulbs (electrical energy to radiant energy).
