Electronics Information ASVAB Terms

1. Electrons flow more easily through conductors than insulators.

easily

2. In order for a circuit to work, it must be closed or completed. 

closed or completed

3. What is Ohm’s law?

Amperes = Volts/Ohms or I = V/R 

4. What is the formula to calculate electrical power?

p = I (V)

5. What are a series circuit, a parallel circuit, and a series-parallel circuit?

A series circuit contains loads wired one after another, a parallel circuit has loads wired parallel to each other, and a series-parallel circuit contains some loads wired one after another and some loads wired in parallel with each other.  

Explanation: A series circuit is a circuit that has only one current path. A parallel circuit is a circuit that has more than one current path. Series-parallel resistor circuits consist of combinations of series-connected and parallel-connected resistors

6. What is the purpose of a transformer?

Transformers function to increase or decrease alternating current voltages.

Explanation: Transformers are a critical component used in power distribution systems. Transformers operate using electromagnetism and are generally used to change one voltage level to another.

7. Given a voltage and ampere measurement, how is wattage found?

Wattage is the product of voltage and amperes.

Explanation: W = Voltage (Amps) 

8. What is the color code for resistors?

0: Black. 1: Brown. 2: Red. 3: Orange. 4: Yellow. 5: Green. 6: Blue. 7: Violet. 8: Gray. 9: White.

Explanation: The band codes signify the resistor’s value, with the first two bands representing the first two digits of the resistor’s value.

9. What purpose would capacitors serve? What are the two types of capacitors?

Capacitors are used to store electric charge. Polarized capacitor and variable capacitor are the two types of capacitors. Explanation: A capacitor consists of a layer of insulating material sandwiched between two metal plates. It has the ability to store an electric charge.;

10. Like charges repel; and unlike charges attract. What direction does current flow?

Explanation: Current flows from a negative source (anode) to a positive source (cathode).

11. What does a rectifier do?

A rectifier converts an alternating current into a direct current. Explanation: The rectifier used in ac instruments is a one-way device; it passes current in one direction and blocks current flow in the other direction.

12. In the absence of a resistor, the flow of electricity would have what effect on the wires and power sources?

Without resistors, the wires and power sources would overheat. Explanation: A short circuit increases the current level in a circuit. Consequently, the power dissipation is increased in those components that are not shorted. 

13. What is the purpose of a transducer?

To convert, or “transduce,” energy from one form to another. Explanation: A lightbulb transduces electrical energy to light.

14. What is the formula for impedance? 

Impedance = electromotive force/current

Explanation: Impedance is calculated by dividing the electromotive force in a circuit by its current.

15. What is the primary difference between DC and AC?

DC (direct current) flows in one direction and AC (alternating current) changes direction.

Explanation: Because of this, stronger currents are more easily achieved with AC than DC.