Get to Know Your Tools - Electronics & Circuits Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational electrical theory, circuit principles, breadboard layout, circuit views, and introductory components from Project 01.

Electrical Transducer

A component that changes other types of energy into electrical energy and vice versa.

Sensor

A transducer that converts other forms of energy into electrical energy.

Actuator

A transducer that converts electrical energy into other forms of energy.

Circuit

A closed loop of wire with a power source and a load that moves electricity through different components.

Load

A component in a circuit that performs a useful function with electrical energy.

Ground (GND)

The point of least potential energy in a circuit, generally represented with a $-$ symbol or GND.

Direct Current (DC)

A type of electricity where electrical charge flows in only one direction.

Alternating Current (AC)

A type of electricity where current changes its direction $50$ or $60$ times a second, typically supplied by wall sockets.

Current

The amount of electrical charge flowing past a specific point in a circuit, symbol $I$, measured in amperes or amps ($A$).

Voltage

The difference in energy between one point in a circuit and another, symbol $V$, measured in volts ($V$).

Resistance

How much a component resists the flow of electrical energy, symbol $R$, measured in ohms (\text{\textOmega}).

Rockslide Metaphor for Circuits

A visual analogy where the height of a cliff represents voltage ($V$), the number of falling rocks represents current ($I$), and bushes crushing on the cliff side represent resistors ($R$).

Short Circuit

An unintended zero-resistance connection between power and ground, causing current to seek the path of least resistance and converting energy into light and heat as sparks or explosions.

Breadboard

A solderless prototyping board featuring horizontal rows of $5$ connected holes and vertical power buses linked by thin metal connectors beneath plastic.

Power Bus

The electrically connected vertical strips running the length of a breadboard, typically used for power and ground connections.

Breadboard View

A circuit diagram view that visually depicts components as they physically appear in a project kit.

Schematic View

An abstract circuit view showing functional electrical relationships and connections between components rather than physical placement.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode)

A polarized component that converts electrical energy into light energy, allowing current to flow in only one direction.

Anode

The longer leg of an LED, which connects to the positive power source.

Cathode

The shorter leg of an LED, which connects to ground.

Resistor

A component that resists electrical energy flow and converts energy into heat, often used in series to protect components like LEDs from excessive voltage.

Switch

A component that interrupts current flow when open and completes a circuit when closed.

Momentary Switch (Pushbutton)

A switch that remains closed only while active physical pressure is applied.