Electrical Wiring and Electronics Components

Flashcards covering basic electrical quantities, their units, symbols, and fundamental laws (Ohm's and Watt's Law) as applied to computer hardware.

Voltage

The electric potential difference between two points; the electrical force or pressure that causes current to flow in a circuit. It is represented by the symbol $V$.

Current

The rate of flow of electric charge, telling how much electric charge flows through a circuit per second. It is represented by the symbol $I$.

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of current, represented by the symbol $R$. It is used to control or limit current in a circuit.

Power

The rate at which electrical energy is used, transferred, or converted, represented by the symbol $P$.

Energy

The total amount of electrical work or consumption over time, represented by the symbol $E$.

Frequency

The number of cycles per second in an alternating current system, represented by the symbol $f$.

Capacitance

The ability of a component to store electric charge, represented by the symbol $C$.

Volt

The unit of measurement for voltage, represented by the unit symbol $V$.

Ampere

The unit of measurement for current, represented by the unit symbol $A$. Note that $1$ ampere is equal to $1000$ milliamperes ($mA$).

Ohm

The unit of measurement for resistance, represented by the unit symbol $\Omega$.

Watt

The unit of measurement for power, represented by the unit symbol $W$.

Joule

The standard unit of electrical energy ($J$), though energy is also commonly measured in kilowatt-hours ($kWh$).

Hertz

The unit of measurement for frequency, represented by the unit symbol $Hz$.

Farad

The unit of measurement for capacitance, represented by the unit symbol $F$.

Ohm's Law

A formula that explains the relationship among voltage, current, and resistance: $V = I \times R$.

Watt's Law

A formula used to compute electrical power by multiplying voltage and current: $P = V \times I$.

Current Capacity

The maximum amount of current an adapter or component can handle. An adapter with insufficient capacity may overheat or fail.