goodman dt e&e (review stuff from mech)

conductor

a material that allows heat and electricity to pass through it. Has current flow, low resistance, and free electrons

battery

a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy; usually made of 2 or more cells

photon

quantum of electromagnetic energy; carries EM radiation; LED's emit

diode

allows current to flow in only one direction

ionization

process by which atom gains or loses electrons

load

physical stress on a mechanical system; motor, light; uses electrical energy

Ohm's Law

V=IR; used to make sure voltage/current levels are ok for a system

generator

converts mechanical energy into electrical energy

capacitor

an electrical device used to store/release electrical charge

resistance

limits current; opposition to the flow of electrons (Ω)

potentiometer

variable resistor; terminal resistors with a sliding or rotating contact

electronics

study of the control of electron flow in a circuit

current

flow of electrons in a wire or other conductor

circuit

complete pathway for electrons

insulator

material that blocks the flow of electrons

transistor

an electrical switch

valence electrons

electrons in the outermost shell of an atom

electromotive force

difference in potential that tends to give rise to an electrical current

potential difference

difference in electrical potential between two points

electron flow

negative terminal to positive terminal

conventional (hole) flow

positive terminal to negative terminal

greek symbol for Ohm

Ω

water/electricity analogy

voltage is water pressure, resistance is the valve, the current is the water flowing; larger amount of water in the one tank compared to other tank represents the potential difference (voltage), valve that restricts the amount of water that can pass at any one time represents the amount of resistance, and the amount of water flowing through the pipe in a unit of time represents the current.

AC guy

Nikola Tesla

DC guy

Thomas Edison

kilo (k)

10^3

giga (G)

10^9

Micro (µ)

10^-6

pico (p)

10^-12

mega (M)

10^6

milli (m)

10^-3

nano (n)

10^-9