Basic Electronics Experiments

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Questions and Answers

Explain the water pipe analogy for a resistor. How do resistors control electric current in a circuit?

Resistors are like rocks in a water pipe, controlling how much electric current flows. They limit the flow of electrons, similar to how rocks restrict water flow.

What is a 'short circuit', and why should it be avoided when building electronic circuits?

A short circuit is when wires from different parts of a circuit connect accidentally. It creates a path of very low resistance and causes excessive current to flow.

Briefly explain how a capacitor stores electrical energy, using the water pipe analogy.

A capacitor stores electrical energy by building up charge on its plates. It's like a water pipe with a rubber diaphragm that stretches to store water pressure.

Explain the function of a diode in a circuit. What is the difference between forward-biased and reverse-biased?

<p>A diode allows current to flow in only one direction. Forward-biased means current flows easily, while reverse-biased blocks current flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the basic function of a transistor as a current amplifier.

<p>A transistor uses a small amount of current at its base to control a larger amount of current between its collector and emitter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a breadboard, and how is it used to construct circuits?

<p>A breadboard is a solderless device used for prototyping electronic circuits. Components are inserted into holes connected in rows and columns, allowing easy connection and experimentation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Briefly explain Ohm's Law and how it relates voltage, current and resistance.

<p>Ohm's Law states that current is equal to the voltage divided by the resistance. Increasing voltage increases current; increasing resistance decreases current.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you determine the value of a resistor using the color code?

<p>The first two color bands represent the first two digits of the resistance value. The third band indicates the power of ten to multiply by, and the fourth band gives the tolerance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of 'resistors in series' and how the total resistance is calculated.

<p>Resistors in series are connected one after another in a single path. The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of 'resistors in parallel' and how the total resistance is calculated

<p>Resistors in parallel are connected between the same two points in a circuit. The total resistance is calculated using the reciprocal formula.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe two practical applications of variable resistors.

<p>Variable resistors can be used as light dimmers in homes, or to control the volume in audio equipment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference in behavior between capacitors in series versus in parallel.

<p>Capacitors in series combine to create a smaller total capacitance. Capacitors in parallel add together to create a larger total capacitance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'make your own battery' experiment (#11), what property of capacitors does it illustrate?

<p>The 'Make Your Own Battery' experiment demonstrates how a capacitor can store electrical energy and then discharge it later, mimicking a battery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do disc capacitors not have polarity markings, unlike electrolytic capacitors?

<p>Disc capacitors can be hooked up in either direction and do not have polarity markings. Electrolytic capacitors have them because they need to be installed as marked in the circuit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could a water detector circuit be used for in a real-world application?

<p>It can be set up as a warning alarm in case a house starts to flood during a storm, or as a sensor to determine the saltiness of water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What materials are semiconductors made of?

<p>Most semiconductors are made of silicon, but gallium arsenide and germanium are also used.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to limit the current when forward biasing a diode?

<p>It is important because, once the voltage diode's turn-on level's, the resistance of the diode becomes very low in one direction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you connect the base and collector of a transistor together?

<p>When the base and collector of a transistor are connected together then the transistor becomes a diode.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the purpose of the standard transistor biasing circuit diagram in Experiment #17.

<p>It uses so that the transistor is turned on but is not saturated, but when a small alternating current (AC) signal is applied to the base then a larger copy of the signal will appear at the collector - a small-signal amplifier!</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how putting adding a transistor in the Very Low Lightbulb (Experiment #18) helped with its slow charge time.

<p>By adding a transistor you can use a large resistor for a slow charge time and still have a bright LED!</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does putting the resistors of the two-finger touch lamp (Experiment 20) have to do with the human body?

<p>Your body's resistance varies a lot but typically a few hundred kilohms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast the experiments of the two-finger and one-finger touch lamps (Experiments 20 v. Experiment 21)?

<p>The two-finger touch lamp doesn't produce a touch sensor that you only touches once to keep the light on, but only with you keep pressing two spots. The one-finger is also doesn't.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of the differential pair in Experiment 22.

<p>If the transistor base voltages are equal then the currents through the LEDs and collectors will also be equal. If one base voltage is higher than the other then that transistor will have more current flowing through it's collector and associated LED.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does each of the experimental batteries you've made differ?

<p>The make your own battery capacitor version works in an instant for a short light time when charged with the battery, while normal 9V batteries run all of your experiments</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the battery immunizer circuit work (Experiment 25)?

<p>I didn't see any mention of this. Please update.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe what an anti-capacitor is.

<p>The inductor is the counterpart to this - it blocks current surges (AC) but passes stable currents (DC).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the magnetic bridge?

<p>A magnetic bridge is like a transformer's use of magnetism to cross a barrier that electricity cannot cross by itself that acts as electricity buffer since different sides of it are made with different materials and currents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the element or connection that produces feedback which is important in experiments such as Experiment 28?

<p>Feedback is when you adjust the input to something based on what that input is doing and is what makes the lighthouse circuit turn on/off.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List three experiments that are variations of oscillators?

<p>The Electronic Sound (#29), Electronic Rain (##33), Electric Noisemaker (#35) are all variations of oscillator experiments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does an inductor do? Compare it to a capacitor.

<p>An inductor doesn't contain water, so it has a wire wound as a coil. Capacitors are water (electricity) buffers, inductors are wire coil resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Inductors and Transformers useful for?

<p>Motors convert the electricity back into mechanical form to drive machinery and appliances. Inductors on the other hand are a buffer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an oscillator, and what is its purpose?

<p>An oscillator is an important circuit in electronics, used to generate an AC signal. It is the tool used to create the Electronic Sound or Morse Code experiments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Alarm with Shut-Off Timer circuit work in Experiment 43?

<p>By pressing the reset button on an Alarm, when someone triggers the alarm/tripped-wire to set it off, it will not keep playing but instead stops and stops from setting it off again until its reset.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process behind making music with an Electronic Kazoo?

<p>You can experiment by seeing different sounds if you wet the wires or saliva as new connections for the currents. The Electronic Kazoo allows variations in connections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process behind making electronic music with just pencil? Provide an example.

<p>Electrons run through it and come out the other side. To show: Touch wires and slowly slide each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Briefly define the following terms from the provided text: Electricity, Current, Voltage, Resistance

<p>Electricity: A flow of electrons between atoms. Current: A measure of how fast electrons are flowing. Voltage: A measure of how strong an electric charge is. Resistance: opposition to current flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of the electronic keyboard from Experiment 38?

<p>Just resistors, with varying amounts of ohms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Electricity

A flow of sub-atomic particles, electrons moving from atom to atom. Think of it as water flowing through pipes

Wires

Metal wires that offer low resistance to electricity flow

Short Circuit

Accidental connection between different points in a circuit, causing excessive current flow

Electric Current (Amperes)

Measure of how fast electrons are flowing in a wire

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Battery or Generator

A device that creates an electrical charge to make electricity flow

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Voltage (Volts)

Measure of the strength of the electric charge or electrical pressure

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Switch

Connects or disconnects wires in a circuit to control electricity flow

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Resistor

Controls how much electric current flows in a circuit

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Resistance

Measure of how much a resistor resists the flow of electricity

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Breadboard

Used for easy mounting and connection of electronic components, allowing easy circuit construction

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Resistors in series

Add together to increase the total resistance in a circuit

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Resistors in Parallel

Connected between same points in a circuit, decreasing overall resistance

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Capacitor

Can store electrical pressure (voltage) for periods of time

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Capacitor

Blocks direct current (DC) but passes alternating current (AC)

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Capacitance

The capacity for holding electric charge

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Diode

A device that allows current to flow in only one direction

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Forward-Biased

The state when the resistance of a diode becomes very low, allowing current to flow

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Reverse-Biased

The state when a diode has very high resistance, blocking current flow

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Transistor

A semiconductor device that amplifies current

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Current amplifier

Use a small amount of current to control a large amount of current

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integrated circuit

Entire circuits on a silicon base

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inductance

Electrical momentum

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inductor

opposes changes in eletrical ccurrent

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feedback

adjust the inut to something based on what its output is doing

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transformer

AC voltage and current with its middle tap

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digital circuits

circuity that have only two states

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or gate

the gate with the highest gate

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not

that reverses the truth statement

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nor

the or gate but backwards

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Study Notes

Basic Electronic Experiments

  • The PK-101 model transforms any standard breadboard into an electronic learning center.
  • You can build an electronic keyboard, electronic kazoo, battery tester, finger touch lamp, burglar and water alarms, a siren, and a magnetic bridge.
  • No soldering or tools are required; all parts are included.
  • A breadboard and a 9V battery or power supply are required.

What You Will Learn

  • Basic principles of electronics.
  • How to build circuits using a breadboard.
  • How basic electronic components work and how to read their values.
  • How to read electronic schematics.
  • How to design and troubleshoot basic electronic circuits.
  • How to change the performance of electronic circuits by changing component values within the circuit.

Parts List

  • 1 x 470Ω Resistor, 0.25W
  • 1 x 1KΩ Resistor, 0.25W
  • 1 x 3.3KΩ Resistor, 0.25W
  • 1 x 10KΩ Resistor, 0.25W
  • 1 x 33KΩ Resistor, 0.25W
  • 1 x 100KΩ Resistor, 0.25W
  • 1 x 1MΩ Resistor, 0.25W
  • 1 x 50KΩ Variable Resistor, lay-down, with dial
  • 1 x 0.005µF Disc Capacitor
  • 1 x 0.047μF Disc Capacitor
  • 1 x 10µF Electrolytic Capacitor
  • 1 x 100µF Electrolytic Capacitor
  • 1 x Diode, 1N4148
  • 3 x Transistor, NPN, 2N3904
  • 2 x Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
  • 1 x Transformer
  • 1 x Switch, push-button
  • 1 x 9V Battery Clip
  • 1 x Speaker, 8Ω, 0.25 Watt, with wires added
  • 1 x Wires Bag

Introduction to Basic Components

  • Electricity is a flow of sub-atomic particles called electrons.
  • Electrons move from atom to atom when an electrical charge is applied across the material.
  • Electric current is expressed in amperes (A) or milliamps (mA) and measures how fast electrons are flowing in a wire.
  • Voltage, expressed in volts (V), measures the strength of the electric charge.
  • Wires are made of metals, usually copper, offering low resistance to electricity flow.
  • A short circuit occurs when wires from different parts of a circuit connect accidentally.
  • Batteries or generators create an electrical charge across wires to make electricity flow.
  • A battery uses a chemical reaction, while a generator moves a magnet near a wire.
  • OV or “–” side of the battery is referred to as “ground."
  • A switch connects or disconnects wires in a circuit.
  • Resistance, expressed in ohms (Ω), kilohms (KΩ), or megohms (MΩ), measures how much a resistor resists electricity flow.
  • Breadboards are used for mounting components and making connections easy.
  • The breadboard has columns of 5 holes that are electrically connected.
  • Rows marked with a blue “–” or a red “+” are electrically connected for battery or power supply connections.

Identifying Hole Locations

  • Rows are marked with letters (+,-,etc).
  • Columns are marked by numbers.
  • A connection at row b, column 26 will be called hole b26.
  • A connection at row +, column 3 will be called hole (+)3.

Experiment #1: The Light Bulb

  • Decide if you will use a 9V battery or adjustable power supply.
  • Insert the red wire from the battery clip into hole j4.
  • Insert the black wire into hole (-)3.
  • The LED (light emitting diode) symbol shows a flat side.
  • Insert the red battery wire or positive power supply into hole j4.
  • Insert the black battery wire or negative power supply (ground) into hole (-)3.
  • Insert switch into holes f4 and f5.
  • Insert the 10kΩ resistor into holes j5 and j9.
  • Insert the LED into holes g20 and g21, with the "flat" side going into g21.
  • Insert a short wire between holes h9 and j20.
  • Insert a short wire between holes f21 and (-)21.
  • Press the switch and the LED lights up, like a light bulb.
  • Schematics are the “maps” for electronic circuits.

Experiment #2: The Brightness Control

  • Remove the 10kΩ resistor used in Experiment #1; the other parts are used.
  • Insert switch into holes f4 and f5.
  • Insert the LED into holes g20 and g21 (“flat” side goes into g21). .
  • Insert a short wire between holes f21 and (–)21.
  • Insert the 1kΩ resistor into holes j5 and j15.
  • Insert the 50kΩ variable resistor into holes e14, g15, and e16.
  • Insert a short wire between holes c14 and j20.
  • Increasing the resistance makes the LED dim.
  • Decrease the resistance makes the LED bright.

Experiment #3: Resistors in Series

  • Press the switch.
  • Insert the LED into holes g20 and g21 (“flat” side goes into g21).
  • Insert a short wire between holes f21 and (–)21.
  • Insert the 3.3kΩ resistor into holes i5 and i12.
  • Insert the 100kΩ resistor into holes j12 and j20.
  • Resistors in series add together to increase the total resistance for the circuit.

Experiment #4: Parallel Pipes

  • Insert the LED into holes g20 and g21 (“flat” side goes into g21). Insert a short wire between holes f21 and (-)21. Insert the 3.3ΚΩ resistor into i5 and i12.
  • Insert the 100kΩ resistor into j5 and j12. Insert a short wire between h12 and j20.
  • The more resistors in parallel the lower the resistance.

Experiment #5: Comparison of Parallel Currents

  • Replace the100kΩ resistor with several values (such as 1kΩ, 10kΩ, and others).
  • Insert the switch into f4 and f5.
  • Insert the LED into g20 and g21 (“flat” side goes into g21). Insert a short wire between f21 and (-)21.
  • Insert the 100kΩ resistor into j5 and j12.
  • Insert a short wire between h12 and j20. Fill each of the holes (g23, g24).
  • Insert a short wire between f24 and (-)24.

Experiment #6: Combined Circuit

  • Insert an LED into g20 and g21 ("flat" side goes into g21). Insert a short wire between f21 and (-)21. Insert an LED into g23 and g24 ("flat” side goes into g24). Insert a short wire between f24 and -24. Remove (3.3k resistors). Insert transformer (10kΩ resistor).

Experiment #7: Water Detector

  • Insert the LED into holes g20 and g21. Note: Note: Keep the switch in the breadboard (unconnected) until for later experiments. Insert the 470Ω resistor (yellow - violet - brown - gold) into j12 and j20.

Introduction to Capacitors

  • Capacitors are electrical components that can store voltage for brief periods.
  • A capacitor is deemed charged when a voltage variation (electrical pressure) exists across it.
  • This is accomplished by facilitating a one-way current flow through the component for a specified duration.
  • Capacitance is expressed in farads (F), microfarads (µF), or picofarads (pF).
  • Electrolytic capacitors are high capacitance and used mostly in power supply or low frequency circuits
  • Disc capacitors are low capacitance and used mostly in radio or high frequency applications.

Experiment #8: Slow Light Bulb

  • Connect the circuit according to the schematic and Wiring Diagram and press the switch several times.
  • Now the charge time is faster but the discharge time is the same

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