Basics of Electronics Challenge Part One

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions covering basic electronics, circuit configurations, and digital multimeter usage as outlined in the Solar Cup 2022 Electronics Challenge.

Voltage ($V$)

The difference in electrical potential at one point in a circuit in relation to another, measured in Volts ($V$).

Current ($I$)

The amount of flow of electric charge in a circuit, specified as the charge per unit time crossing a given area, measured in Amperes ($A$).

Resistance ($R$)

The resistance that a material offers to the flow of electric current, measured in Ohms ($\Omega$).

Parallel Circuit

A way of connecting circuit elements so that there are multiple paths for the charge to travel through the circuit.

Series Circuit

A way of connecting circuit elements so that there is only a single path for the charge to travel through the circuit.

Ammeter

A device used for measuring current that must be connected in series with the circuit elements.

Voltmeter

A device used for measuring voltage that must be connected in parallel, across two points in the circuit.

Digital Multimeter (DMM)

A basic device for measuring voltage, resistance, current, and other properties of a circuit; it can measure both DC and AC currents and voltages.

Breadboard

A $2'' \times 3''$ flat white component with holes used to build circuits where elements are pushed into place rather than soldered.

DC

Direct current, with multimeter ranges indicated by the symbols $200m$, $2000m$, $20$, $200$, and $500$ for voltage.

AC

Alternating current, represented on the multimeter by the symbol $\sim$.

Hertz (Hz)

The unit of measurement for frequency.

Continuity Test (buzzer)

A multimeter function used to check connections; it produces a beep at low resistances to indicate a completed circuit.

OL

The value displayed on a multimeter when no connection is present during a continuity test.

Com

The negative input port on a multimeter where the black probe lead is typically connected.

V/W/mA

The positive input port on the multimeter where the red probe lead is typically connected.

K

A multiplier for resistor values representing $1000$.

M

A multiplier for resistor values representing $1,000,000$.

u

A prefix used for micro, specifically microamps in current ranges like $2000u$.

m

A prefix used for milli, representing millivolts or milliamps in circuit measurements.