Electrical Fundamentals Day 1 Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the fundamentals of electricity, math foundations, AC/DC concepts, multimeter usage, and safety protocols based on Day 1 lecture notes.

Scientific Notation

A compact way to write very large or very small numbers using a coefficient multiplied by a power of ten, such as $3.6 \times 10^3$.

Engineering Notation

A form of notation that uses powers of ten in groups of 3 (multiples of 3) to align with metric prefixes like kilo, milli, and micro.

Mega (M)

A metric prefix representing a factor of $10^6$.

Kilo (k)

A metric prefix representing a factor of $10^3$.

Milli (m)

A metric prefix representing a factor of $10^{-3}$.

Micro (\mu)

A metric prefix representing a factor of $10^{-6}$.

Dimensional Analysis

A method of checking equations by ensuring units cancel out correctly to reach the target unit.

Protons

Positively charged particles found within atoms.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles that create electrical behavior when they shift between materials.

Electron Drift

The slow movement of individual electrons within a conductor, contrasted with the fast movement of the electric field signal.

Coulomb (C)

The unit for amount of charge, representing a quantity of approximately $10.25 \times 10^{18}$ electrons.

Ampere (A)

The unit of current, representing the rate of charge flow equal to one coulomb per second ($1\,A = 1\,C/s$).

Volt (V)

The unit of electrical potential difference between two points, equal to one joule per coulomb ($1\,V = 1\,J/C$).

Joule (J)

The unit of energy, which can be converted into heat, light, motion, or chemical change.

Watt (W)

The unit of power, representing the rate of energy use equal to one joule per second ($1\,W = 1\,J/s$).

Watt’s Law

The formula used to determine electrical power from voltage and current: $P = V \times I$.

Resistance (\Omega)

The opposition to current flow, measured in ohms.

Ohm’s Law

The mathematical relationship linking voltage, current, and resistance: $V = I \times R$.

Direct Current (DC)

Electricity characterized by a steady polarity and a one-direction current path.

Alternating Current (AC)

Electricity where the voltage and current reverse direction periodically, typically at $60\,Hz$ in the U.S.

Hertz (Hz)

The unit for frequency, defined as cycles per second.

RMS (Root Mean Square)

The effective value of AC used for power comparison; for example, $120\,VAC\,RMS = 170\,VAC\,Peak$.

Klein MM420

An auto-ranging True RMS digital multimeter rated CAT III $600\,V$ used to measure electrical quantities.

Continuity Check

A meter function that tests if two points are connected, producing a beep if resistance is below approximately $50\,\Omega$.

Arc Flash

A dangerous energy release event through the air as heat, light, and pressure, rather than just a spark.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

A safety process to identify, isolate, lock, and tag energy sources to verify zero energy before service.

Live-Dead-Live

A safety habit involving testing the meter on a known live source, testing the target circuit, and re-testing the known live source.