Introduction to Electronics (GTGE 121) - Lecture 4

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to resistors and capacitors in electronic circuits.

Resistor

An electronic component that limits current flow and sets voltage levels within a circuit.

Fixed Resistor

A type of resistor with a set resistance value that cannot be changed.

Variable Resistor

A resistor whose resistance can be adjusted; includes potentiometers and rheostats.

Photoresistor

A resistor that changes its resistance based on light intensity.

LED Current Limiting

The use of resistors to limit the current flowing to an LED to prevent damage.

Voltage Divider

A circuit that divides a voltage into smaller parts using resistors.

Tolerance (in resistors)

The permissible variation in a resistor's resistance value.

Current Limiting

A function of resistors that prevents excessive current flow through components.

5-Band Resistor Code

A labeling scheme for resistors providing more accurate tolerance for precision resistors.

Capacitance

The ability of a capacitor to store charge, measured in farads (F).

Capacitive Reactance

The opposition a capacitor provides to alternating current, measured in ohms.

RC Time Constant

A measure of the time required for a capacitor to charge to 63.2% of its maximum voltage.

AC Coupling Capacitor

A capacitor used to block direct current while allowing alternating current to pass.

Decoupling Capacitor

A capacitor that allows direct current to pass while redirecting high-frequency signals to ground.

Quality Factor (Q)

A measure of the energy stored in a capacitor to the energy dissipated per cycle, indicating efficiency.

Surface Mount Capacitor

Capacitors designed for mounting directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Electrolytic Capacitor

A type of capacitor that uses an electrolyte to achieve higher capacitance values.

Dielectric Absorption

A phenomenon in capacitors where they retain some charge after being discharged.

Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)

The resistance in a capacitor that affects its performance, essentially characterizing its inefficiency.