Section 7: Basic Electronics

Flashcards covering basic electronics definitions, circuit components, schematic symbols, LED and LDR experiment procedures, audio frequency amplifier construction with the LM386 IC, and circuit design principles from Section 7 of General Science Year 1.

According to the lecture notes, what is the definition of electronics?

Electronics is a branch of physics that deals with the emission, behaviour, and effects of electrons. It is concerned with the design of circuits using transistors and microchips, and with the behaviour and movement of electrons in a semiconductor, conductor, vacuum, or gas.

How is a circuit defined in the key ideas of the notes?

A circuit is a closed loop or pathway through which electric current flows.

What is the primary function of a resistor in an electronic circuit?

A resistor restricts the flow of electric current in a circuit, helping to control voltage levels and protect sensitive parts.

What is the function and common application of a capacitor?

A capacitor stores energy in the form of electrical charge and releases the energy when needed. They are commonly used for smoothing voltage fluctuations and filtering out noise in power supplies.

Which electronic component is represented by this circuit symbol?

Capacitor

What is the main function of diodes in power supplies?

Diodes allow electric current to flow in only one direction and are often used to convert AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) in power supplies.

What role do transistors play in electronic circuits?

Transistors amplify or switch electronic signals. They are crucial in amplifiers, computers, and various digital devices.

Which electronic component and numbered terminals are shown in this circuit symbol?

Transistor, where terminal 1 is the Emitter, terminal 2 is the Base, and terminal 3 is the Collector.

How do inductors function, and where are they commonly used?

Inductors store energies in a magnetic field and are commonly used in filters, transformers, and power supplies.

Which electronic component does this coiled symbol represent?

Inductor

What is the function and typical household use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)?

They convert electricity into light and are extensively used in household electronics for indicators.

Which component is identified by this diode symbol with outward arrows?

Light-emitting diode (LED)

What examples of household electronic devices are identified in Activity 7.2?

Televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and gaming consoles.

In Activity 7.3, how do you distinguish between the positive and negative legs of an LED when inserting it into a breadboard?

The positive anode is the longer leg, and the negative cathode is the shorter leg.

What four troubleshooting steps should be checked if the LED does not light up in Activity 7.3?

a. Check all connections for loose wires. b. Ensure the LED is correctly oriented (anode to positive, cathode to negative). c. Verify the resistor value is appropriate for the LED and power supply. d. Use a multimeter to check for continuity and correct voltage levels.

Under what condition does the LED light up in the light-dependent resistor (LDR) circuit of Activity 7.4, and what is its everyday application?

The LED lights up when the ambient light levels fall below a certain threshold; this circuit is used in automatic street lighting.

What is an amplifier, and what is its purpose in electronic equipment?

An amplifier is a device that increases the strength (amplitude) of a signal or sound by taking a weak input signal and producing a stronger output signal, usually with the same waveform but a larger amplitude. It is used to boost signals for better transmission in audio systems, radios, televisions, and telecommunications equipment.

What are the five steps outlined in the method of building an amplifier circuit?

1. Determine the Amplifier Type
2. Select your Components
3. Design the Amplifier Circuit
4. Calculate Component Values
5. PCB Layout

What apparatus is shown in this diagram from Activity 7.5?

Audio Frequency Amplifier

In Activity 7.6, how is the gain of the LM386 audio amplifier set to $200$?

By connecting a $10\,\mu\text{F}$ electrolytic capacitor between pin 1 and pin 8 of the LM386, ensuring the negative leg is on pin 1.

In the LM386 audio amplifier circuit, which pin connects to the positive terminal of the $9\,\text{V}$ battery clip?

Pin 6 of the LM386.

What circuit configuration is represented in this schematic diagram from Annex 7.2?

Circuit diagram of a transistor as a switch

What two circuit simulation software programs are specifically mentioned in Annex 7.2 for validating circuit performance?

Linear Technology Spice (LTspice) and Proteus.

What eight general steps make up the outline for designing a circuit involving transistors and switches in Annex 7.2?

1. Define the Objective
2. Circuit Analysis
3. Transistor Selection
4. Component Sizing
5. Circuit Simulation
6. Printed circuit board (PCB) Layout
7. Prototype and Testing
8. Documentation

According to the acknowledgements, which institutions are Prof. Christian A. Krueger and Emmanuel O. Ocquaye affiliated with?

Prof. Christian A. Krueger is affiliated with UCC, Cape Coast, and Emmanuel O. Ocquaye is affiliated with GES, Science Education Unit, Accra.