Introduction to Circuit Analysis (IACR) – Core Vocabulary

31 English vocabulary flashcards summarizing essential terms from Lecture 1 of Introduction to Circuit Analysis (IACR).

Circuit Theory

Analytical framework that models real electrical systems with mathematical circuits to predict behavior.

Electrical Circuit

Interconnected set of elements that transfers and transforms energy to perform a specific function.

Circuit Analysis

Process of finding voltages, currents, and power in a given connection of devices.

Circuit Synthesis

Design task of selecting devices and connections to realize a desired electrical function.

Passive Element

Component that cannot supply energy to a circuit (e.g., resistor, capacitor, inductor).

Active Element

Component capable of supplying or controlling energy (e.g., independent or dependent sources).

Resistor (R)

Passive element that opposes current flow and dissipates energy as heat; measured in ohms (Ω).

Capacitor (C)

Passive element that stores energy in an electric field; measured in farads (F).

Inductor (L)

Passive element that stores energy in a magnetic field; measured in henrys (H).

Transistor

Semiconductor active device used for amplification or switching operations.

Integrated Circuit (IC)

Miniaturized electronic circuit fabricated on a single semiconductor substrate.

Node

Point where two or more circuit elements are connected.

Mesh

Closed loop in a planar circuit that does not enclose other loops.

Reference Node (Ground)

Chosen node of zero potential serving as common voltage reference.

Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

Sum of currents entering a node equals the sum leaving it, expressing charge conservation.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

Sum of voltages around any closed loop equals zero, expressing energy conservation.

Electric Charge (q)

Intrinsic property of particles responsible for electromagnetic interaction; measured in coulombs (C).

Conservation of Charge

Law stating total electric charge in an isolated system remains constant.

Electric Current (i)

Rate of flow of electric charge through a surface; measured in amperes (A).

Reference Direction for Current

Arbitrary positive direction assigned to current during analysis; sign of computed value reveals actual direction.

Electric Energy (w)

Capability to do work stored or transferred electrically; measured in joules (J).

Electric Potential / Voltage (v)

Energy per unit charge between two points; measured in volts (V).

Potential Difference (v_AB)

Voltage between points A and B indicating energy change for a unit charge moving from A to B.

Reference Polarity for Voltage

Chosen '+' and '–' terminals defining positive voltage direction during analysis.

Electric Power (p)

Rate of energy transfer; p = v·i; measured in watts (W).

Direct Current (DC)

Voltage or current that remains constant over time.

Alternating Current (AC)

Voltage or current that varies periodically with time.

Sinusoidal Steady State

AC condition where voltages and currents vary sinusoidally at a fixed frequency.

Independent Source

Active element that delivers a specified voltage or current unaffected by other circuit variables.

Dependent Source

Active element whose voltage or current value depends on another voltage or current in the circuit.

Sign Convention for Power

Positive power indicates energy absorbed when current enters the terminal marked ‘+’; negative power indicates delivery.