Electrical engineering Flashcards
Where are electrical components used?
Circuits in houses
Where are electronic components used?
Phone, tv
What types of material is used in electrical components?
Metals and alloys (conductors)
Ex: Copper
What types of material is used in electronic components?
Non-metals/Metalloids
(semi-conductors)
Ex: silicon
What is the size of circuits in electrical components?
Huge
What is the size of circuits in electronic components?
Micro (small)
How powerful are circuits in electrical components?
Powerful
How powerful are circuits in electronic components?
Minimal power
Describe direct current.
The electrons are flowing in one direction
Describe alternating current.
When the electrons flow back and forth, many times per second, in a regular pattern. Usually used in a power supply.
Helps keep V high to go to a greater distance from power station to home.
Study components.
do it
What is the function of a power supply?
Components that can generate or provide the energy that makes an electric current in a circuit
Advantages of batteries
Portable appliances
Disadvantages of batteries
- Must be replaced after some time
- When thrown out, the cells in batteries can harm the environment
What are the different kinds of power supplies?
- Batteries
- Electrical outlet
- Photovoltaic cell
Advantages of electrical outlets
- Stable and long lasting
- Little greenhouse gas
Disadvantages of electrical outlets
- Hydroelectric dams cause flooding
- Appliances can’t be moved far from wall outlet
- Appliances don’t work during power outages
Advantages of photovoltaic cells
- Can be used in isolated areas
- Power portable devices
- No greenhouse gas emissions
- Life span 20-30 years
Disadvantages of photovoltaic cells
- Operation depends on weather conditions
- Very expensive to install
Describe the function of a switch
- To control
- Gives user control
- The component that can turn the circuit on and off
What does the amount of poles affect?
The number of contacts open
number of switches
What does the amount of throws affect?
The number of circuit options/paths for electrons to be activated
(amount of circuits which can be turned on/off)
Define double throw
(bi-directional)
There are 2 different circuit options
Define single throw
(mono-directional)
Only 1 path for electrons can be activated