Basics of Electronics (MET 18200)

Flashcards covering basic electronics concepts from hazards and safety to circuit elements and fundamental laws like Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.

High Current

Generates sufficient heat to burn body tissue, including internal organs.

Electrical Shock

Damages the central nervous system and takes control of muscles away from the brain.

Perception Threshold (Current)

Approximately 1.1 mA, causing a slight tingling sensation.

Let-Go Threshold (Current)

Approximately 16 mA, causing a painful shock with potential loss of muscular control.

Life-Threatening Current

50-150 mA can cause extremely painful shock, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions, and possible death. 10,000 mA can cause cardiac arrest, severe burns, and probable death.

Path of Least Resistance

The route that electrical current always takes.

Shock Hazard

An unsafe condition, such as physical contact with high voltage or an unapparent electrical condition, that can lead to electrical shock.

Line Power

A common source of electrical exposure in a lab environment, typically found at plugs and receptacles with voltages like 120, 208, and 240 VAC.

VAC (Volts Alternating Current)

Voltage for alternating current, exemplified by typical line power values (e.g., 120, 208, 240 VAC).

VDC (Volts Direct Current)

Voltage for direct current sources, which can range from 5 VDC to over 1000 VDC.

DC Current (Direct Current)

Electrical current that flows in only one direction.

AC Current (Alternating Current)

Electrical current that flows in both directions.

Electrical Circuit

A network of electrical elements with a return path for the current, forming a closed loop.

DC Voltage Source

An electrical element that provides a direct current voltage.

AC Voltage Source

An electrical element that provides an alternating current voltage.

Ground (Electrical)

An electrical element type in circuits, often representing a common return path.

Resistor

An electrical element (conductor) designed to oppose or limit the flow of current.

Switch

An electrical element used to open or close an electrical circuit.

Diode

An additional electrical element type that allows current to flow predominantly in one direction.

Variable Resistor

An additional electrical element type whose resistance value can be adjusted.

Potentiometer

A type of variable resistor, an additional electrical element.

Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)

States that the net current entering a node of a circuit is zero.

Node (Circuit)

A junction in an electrical circuit where the net current entering or leaving it is zero, according to KCL.

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)

States that the sum of voltages around any closed path in a circuit is equal to zero.

Ohm’s Law

States that current (I) is directly proportional to potential (V) and inversely proportional to resistance (R), expressed as V = IR.

Voltage (V)

The electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit.

Current (I)

The rate of flow of electric charge through a circuit.

Resistance (R)

The opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit.

Electrical Power (P)

Defined in terms of the voltage and the current, calculated as P = VI.

Resistors in Series

Electrical resistors connected end-to-end, whose equivalent resistance is found by summing their individual values.

Resistors in Parallel

Electrical resistors connected across the same two points, whose equivalent resistance is found by summing the inverse of their individual values.