Electrical and Electronics Study Reviewer Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic electrical concepts, material classifications, electronic components, logic gates, automotive faults, and diagnostic procedures.

Current ($I$)

The flow of electrons in a conductor, measured in amperes ($A$), where $1\,\text{ampere} = 6.25 \times 10^{18}\,\text{electrons/second}$.

Conventional Theory

The theory of electrical current stating that current flows from positive ($+$) to negative ($-$).

Electron Theory

The theory of electrical current stating that actual electron movement flows from negative ($-$) to positive ($+$).

Voltage ($E$ or $V$)

The electrical force or potential difference causing current flow, where $1\,\text{Volt}$ causes $1\,\text{Ampere}$ of current to flow through a resistance of $1\,\Omega$.

Resistance ($R$)

The opposition or degree of difficulty electrons experience when traveling through a conductor, measured in Ohms ($\Omega$).

Conductor

A material with many free electrons ($1$ to $3$ valence electrons) offering very low resistance, such as copper, aluminum, gold, and silver.

Semiconductor

A material with intermediate conductivity possessing $4$ valence electrons, such as silicon and germanium.

Non-Conductor (Insulator)

A material with few free electrons ($5$ to $7$ valence electrons) offering high resistance to current flow, such as plastic, rubber, glass, and porcelain.

Relay

An electromagnetic switch that uses a low-current input circuit to control a high-current output circuit.

Capacitor

A device that stores electrical charge temporarily, measured in Farads or microfarads ($\mu\text{F}$).

Diode

A semiconductor device allowing current flow in only one direction (Anode to Cathode) used for rectification.

Zener Diode

A voltage regulator semiconductor that conducts in reverse bias when operated above its set breakdown voltage.

NPN Transistor

A three-terminal semiconductor device where Collector-to-Emitter current ($I_C$) flows when base current ($I_B$) flows from Base to Emitter.

PNP Transistor

A three-terminal semiconductor device where Emitter-to-Collector current ($I_C$) flows when base current ($I_B$) flows from Emitter to Base.

NTC Thermistor

A temperature-sensitive resistor whose resistance decreases as temperature increases.

PTC Thermistor

A temperature-sensitive resistor whose resistance increases as temperature increases.

Hall Element (Hall Sensor)

A sensor that utilizes a magnetic field to convert mechanical/magnetic energy into electrical signals for speed and position sensing.

AND Gate

A logic gate whose output is HIGH ($1$) only if all inputs are HIGH ($1$).

OR Gate

A logic gate whose output is HIGH ($1$) if at least one input is HIGH ($1$).

NOT Gate

A logic gate that acts as an inverter, producing an output that is the inverse of its input.

NAND Gate

A logic gate whose output is LOW ($0$) only if all inputs are HIGH ($1$).

NOR Gate

A logic gate whose output is LOW ($0$) if any input is HIGH ($1$).

Open Circuit

An unintended break in a circuit path that stops current flow entirely.

Short Circuit (Positive Side)

An unwanted low-resistance path occurring prior to the load, causing excessive current draw and blowing fuses immediately.

Short Circuit (Negative Side)

An unwanted low-resistance path occurring after the load, causing the load to stay continuously energized regardless of switch position.

Fusible Link

A heavy-duty protection wire designed to melt under extreme overload conditions.

Ohm's Law

The mathematical equation defining the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance: $V = I \times R$.

Voltage Drop Concept

The principle stating that voltage drop across a circuit component is directly proportional to its resistance.

Systematic 5-Step Diagnostic Procedure

The troubleshooting order: Step 1 (Confirm Problem), Step 2 (Check Power Source & Fuse), Step 3 (Check Switches, Relays, ECU), Step 4 (Check Loads), and Step 5 (Check Wiring Harness & Connectors).