Electronics and Electrical Fundamentals

Vocabulary flashcards covering electrical principles, electron theory, Ohm's law, circuit configurations, wiring types, and electrical materials from the lecture notes.

Electricity

A form of energy involving moving or built-up electric charges, defined as the flow or stream of electrons through a conductor.

Static Electricity

Electricity at rest, produced by friction.

Voltage (Electromotive Force / emf)

The electrical push, pressure, or potential difference that causes electrons to flow, measured in volts ($V$).

Thermocouple

A device consisting of two dissimilar metal wires twisted together at one end that converts heat into electrical energy, producing a low direct current voltage when heated.

The Electron Theory of Electricity

The theory that all matter is made of atoms containing tiny, negatively charged electrons, and electricity is the movement of these electrons from one atom to another.

Electric Current Formula

The movement formula given by $I = \frac{Q}{t}$, where $I$ is current in Amperes, $Q$ is total electron charge in Coulombs, and $t$ is time taken in seconds.

Ohm's Law

The fundamental application formula $V = I \times R$, describing the relationship between voltage ($V$), current ($I$), and resistance ($R$).

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Atom

The basic unit of matter.

Current

The rate of flow of charge through a point or the movement of electrons in a conductor, represented by the symbol $I$ and measured in amperes.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric charge or current, represented by the symbol $R$ and measured in ohms ($\Omega$).

Conductor

The path that electricity runs on.

Insulator

The protective layer around a conductor that blocks the flow of electricity to prevent shocks.

Circuit

A closed loop or complete path through which electric charges can continuously move from the source to the load and back.

Series Circuit

A circuit where components are connected sequentially in a single loop, meaning current is the same everywhere, voltage is shared, total resistance increases, and a single break stops the entire circuit.

Parallel Circuit

A circuit with two or more independent branches where current divides, voltage remains identical across branches, total resistance decreases, and remaining branches continue working if one fails.

Electrical Switch

A component that opens or closes the path to connect or disconnect electric current flow.

Fuse

A safety device that protects an electrical circuit by melting when there is too much current.

Circuit Breaker

A reusable safety switch that automatically flips open to stop the flow of electricity when overloaded or when a short circuit occurs.

Outlet (Receptacle)

A socket on the wall where appliances are plugged in to receive electrical energy.

Load

A component in a circuit, such as a bulb or resistor, that consumes electrical energy.

Power

A measure of how fast electricity is used or made.

Battery

A portable device made of long and short parallel plates that stores chemical energy and turns it into electricity.

Transformer

A device that changes voltage up or down in an alternating current (AC) circuit.

Electronics

The study of how to control electron flow in devices.

Copper Atom Structure

An atom composed of $29$ protons, $36$ neutrons, and $29$ electrons configured in four shells ($2$, $8$, $18$, and $1$ free electron in the outermost shell).

Product-Over-the-Sum Method

The formula $R_T = \frac{R_1 \times R_2}{R_1 + R_2}$ used to find total resistance when there are two resistors connected in parallel.

Reciprocal Method

The formula $\frac{1}{R_T} = \frac{1}{R_1} + \frac{1}{R_2}$ applied to determine the equivalent resistance of parallel circuit branches.

Solid Wire

A single solid conductor with less flexibility that appears as one copper core and is better suited for fixed, straight runs.

Stranded Wire

A wire made of multiple strands twisted together that provides high flexibility for situations involving bends or movement.

THHN

Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated wire, commonly routed inside conduits and raceways.

THWN

Thermoplastic Heat & Water-resistant Nylon-coated wire, characterized by being waterproof and more expensive.

TW

Thermoplastic Moisture-Resistant wire, where 'T' denotes Thermoplastic insulation and 'W' denotes water- or moisture-resistant.

Electrical Conduit

A protective tube or channel that encases and protects electrical wires and cables.

RMC

Rigid Metallic Conduit, characterized as heavy-duty, thick metal tubing.

IMC

Intermediate Metallic Conduit, constructed from a lighter metal than RMC while remaining strong.

PVC Conduit

Nonmetallic conduit that is useful in corrosive or underground installations.

FMC

Flexible Metallic Conduit made of spiral metal, designed for dry locations or flexible connections.

ENT

Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing, consisting of flexible nonmetallic tubing used for interior concealed work.

Junction Box

An enclosure made of metal or plastic where wire connections or joints are made.

Utility Box

A rectangular enclosure used where flush-type convenience outlets and switches are attached.

Panelboard

The central enclosure that houses multiple circuit breakers and distributes power to branch circuits.

Male Plug

A component inserted into an electrical outlet to conduct current to a cord or appliance.