Electrical Circuits, Wiring Schematics, and Ohm's Law Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering atomic structure, Ohm's law, circuit testing, schematic color coding, relay pinouts, and automotive wire repair standards.

Nucleus

The dense center of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

Atomic Number

The number of protons located within an atom's nucleus.

Atomic Weight

The total combined number of protons and neutrons within an atom.

Neutron

A subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom that carries no electrical charge.

Electron

A subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom and carries a negative electrical charge.

Proton

A subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom that carries a positive electrical charge.

Ion

An atom that has become electrically unbalanced by gaining or losing an electron.

Valence Shell

The outermost electron shell or ring surrounding an atom's nucleus.

Electrical Conductor (Atomic Structure)

An atom containing three or fewer electrons in its outermost valence shell.

Electrical Semiconductor (Atomic Structure)

An atom containing exactly four electrons in its outermost valence shell.

Electrical Insulator (Atomic Structure)

An atom containing five to eight electrons in its outermost valence shell, or an atom containing bound electrons.

Random Drift

The movement of electrons in various directions with no applied control or direction.

Current Flow

The controlled, directed movement of electrons from one point to another within a conductor.

Conventional Current Flow Theory

The theory of electricity stating that current flows from positive to negative.

Electron Current Flow Theory

The theory of electricity stating that current flows from negative to positive.

Ampere

The unit of electrical current flow, defined as $1\,\text{coulomb}$ moving past a given point in $1\,\text{second}$.

Horsepower (Wattage Equivalent)

A unit of power equivalent to $746\,\text{W}$.

Thermocouple

A temperature-sensing device used with pyrometers to measure Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT).

Open Circuit

An incomplete electrical circuit path that lacks continuity, preventing current from flowing.

Short to Ground

An electrical fault where current bypasses part or all of the intended load and returns directly to ground or the negative battery terminal.

Short to Power

An electrical fault where current bypasses normal circuit controls by connecting directly to an unintended power source.

Electrical Symbol E

The letter designation representing electromotive force or voltage ($\text{V}$).

Electrical Symbol I

The letter designation representing intensity of current or amperes ($\text{A}$).

Electrical Symbol R

The letter designation representing electrical resistance ($\Omega$).

Electrical Symbol P

The letter designation representing electrical power or watts ($\text{W}$).

Ohm's Law

The fundamental electrical law stating that it takes $1\,\text{V}$ of potential to push $1\,\text{A}$ of current through $1\,\Omega$ of resistance.

Amperage Formula

The mathematical relationship defined as $\text{Amperes} = \frac{\text{Voltage}}{\text{Resistance}}$.

Voltage Formula

The mathematical relationship defined as $\text{Voltage} = \text{Amperes} \times \text{Resistance}$.

Resistance Formula

The mathematical relationship defined as $\text{Resistance} = \frac{\text{Voltage}}{\text{Amperes}}$.

Electrical Power Formula

The mathematical relationship defined as $\text{Power} = \text{Voltage} \times \text{Amperes}$.

Electrical Load

Any component in an electrical circuit, such as a light bulb or motor, that consumes electrical power to perform work.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

Kirchhoff's second law stating that the sum of all voltage drops around any closed electrical loop equals the total source voltage.

Kirchhoff's Current Law

Kirchhoff's law stating that the total current entering any electrical junction must equal the total current flowing out of that junction.

Shunt Circuit

Another term used to describe a parallel circuit or an alternate parallel pathway for current flow.

Relay

A remote electromagnetic switch that uses a small control current to operate contacts handling a larger current in a separate circuit.

Solenoid

An electromagnetic switch utilizing a movable core capable of handling high current flow up to $200\,\text{A}$.

Standard Relay Terminal 85

The terminal connection commonly used for the ground side of the control coil (control out).

Standard Relay Terminal 86

The terminal connection commonly used for the power side of the control coil (control in).

Standard Relay Terminal 30

The terminal connection commonly used for battery power feeding the switch contacts of a relay.

Standard Relay Terminal 87

The terminal connection commonly used for the normally open (NO) output contact of a relay.

Standard Relay Terminal 87a

The terminal connection commonly used for the normally closed (NC) output contact of a relay.

Jorge Menchu Trace Color: Green

In schematic trace color coding, green depicts ground at all times.

Jorge Menchu Trace Color: Red

In schematic trace color coding, red depicts power at all times.

Jorge Menchu Trace Color: Blue

In schematic trace color coding, blue depicts analog signals.

Jorge Menchu Trace Color: Yellow

In schematic trace color coding, yellow depicts ground when the circuit is complete, and open circuit voltage when it is not.

Jorge Menchu Trace Color: Orange

In schematic trace color coding, orange depicts power when the circuit is complete, and an indirect path to ground when it is not.

Braided Ground Strap

A flexible grounding conductor used to provide low resistance while dampening radio frequency interference (RFI).

Rosin-Core Solder

The recommended type of solder for joining copper wires in electrical circuit repairs.

Dielectric Silicone Grease

A non-conductive grease recommended inside electrical connectors to prevent moisture intrusion and corrosion.

Fusible Link

A short section of specially insulated wire, typically $4\,\text{AWG}$ sizes smaller than the circuit wire, designed to melt and protect the circuit during extreme overcurrent.