Basic Electrical Engineering - Module 2 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Module 2 lecture notes, covering DC circuit analysis, potential dividers, network transformations, power transfer, batteries, chemical effects, and corrosion.

Series Circuit

A circuit in which components are connected end-to-end so that the current $I$ is identical in all parts ($I = I_1 = I_2 = I_3$) and the total applied voltage $V_t$ equals the sum of the individual voltages ($V_t = V_1 + V_2 + V_3$).

Series Resistance Formula

The total resistance $R_t$ in a series circuit, obtained by adding together the separate resistance values: $R_t = R_1 + R_2 + R_3$.

Potential Divider Circuit

A circuit consisting of elements in series across a voltage source, used as a simple method to produce a source of lower e.m.f. from a higher e.m.f. source and serving as the operating mechanism of a potentiometer.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit in which components are connected across each other, such that the source potential difference $V$ is the same across each resistor ($V = V_1 = V_2 = V_3$) and the total current $I_t$ equals the sum of branch currents ($I_t = I_1 + I_2 + I_3$).

Parallel Resistance Formula

The equation used to find the total resistance $R_t$ in a parallel network: $\frac{1}{R_t} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3}$ or R_t = \begin{pmatrix} \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2} + \frac{1}{R_3} \begin{pmatrix}^{-1}.

Two Parallel Resistors Formula

A simplified expression for calculating the equivalent resistance of two resistors connected in parallel: $R_t = \frac{R_1 R_2}{R_1 + R_2}$.

Current Division Rule

A formula strictly applicable to two parallel resistors to find branch currents: I_1 = \begin{pmatrix}\frac{R_2}{R_1 + R_2}\begin{pmatrix} I_t and I_2 = \begin{pmatrix}\frac{R_1}{R_1 + R_2}\begin{pmatrix} I_t.

Wye and Delta Networks

Three-terminal resistor configurations—also termed Tee (T) or Wye (Y) and Delta ($\Delta$) or Pi networks—used in three-phase systems, electrical filters, and matching networks when components are neither purely in series nor in parallel.

Wye-to-Delta Conversion

A transformation rule where each resistor in the converted delta network equals the sum of all possible products of Wye resistors taken two at a time, divided by the opposite Wye resistor (e.g., $R_a = \frac{R_1 R_2 + R_2 R_3 + R_3 R_1}{R_1}$).

Delta-to-Wye Conversion

A transformation rule where each resistor in the converted Wye network equals the product of the resistors in the two adjacent delta branches, divided by the sum of all three delta resistors (e.g., $R_1 = \frac{R_b R_c}{R_a + R_b + R_c}$).

Maximum Power Transfer Theorem

A theorem stating that maximum power is transferred from a supply source to a load when the load resistance $R_L$ equals the source's internal resistance $r$ ($R_L = r$).

Primary Battery

A category of disposable battery designed for single-use that cannot be electrically recharged.

Secondary Battery

A category of battery designed to be electrically recharged multiple times, such as those used in mobile phones and laptops.

Electrolysis

The chemical decomposition of a liquid compound caused by passing an electric current through it.

Electrolyte

A liquid compound containing free ions (such as salt water, copper sulphate, or dilute sulphuric acid) that conducts electricity and undergoes electrolysis.

Anode and Cathode

The conductors that carry electric current into and out of an electrolyte; the positive-connected terminal is the anode and the negative-connected terminal is the cathode.

Electroplating

A practical application of electrolysis that deposits a thin protective or decorative layer of one metal onto another metal.

Simple Battery Cell

A device comprising two dissimilar conductor electrodes placed in an electrolyte solution to convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

Electrochemical Series

A sequence listing chemical elements in order of their electrical potential measured relative to a standard hydrogen electrode.

Corrosion

The gradual destruction of a metal in a damp atmosphere through simple cell action, requiring moisture, air, an electrolyte, an anode, and a cathode.

Galvanizing

The process of plating or coating iron with a protective layer of zinc to prevent corrosion.