Capacitors and RC Circuits

An empty space created when an electron is captured by an atom in a semiconductor, allowing for the movement of positive charge.

A semiconductor material with an excess of free electrons, created by adding a donor impurity.

A semiconductor material with an excess of holes, created by adding a donor impurity that absorbs free electrons.

The process of adding impurities to a semiconductor to increase its conductivity.

A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction (anode to cathode) but not in the reverse direction.

The area within a diode where no free charge carriers exist, acting as an insulator.

The electrode in a diode where current enters.

The electrode in a diode where current exits.

A component that stores electrical charge and releases it when needed. It's like a tiny battery.

A non-conductive material that prevents the flow of electricity between the plates of a capacitor.

The time it takes for a capacitor to charge to 63.2% of the supply voltage or discharge to 36.8% of its initial voltage.

The ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge. Measured in Farads (F).

A type of capacitor commonly used in electronic circuits. Small size, low capacitance (PicoFarads to MicroFarads).

A type of capacitor with higher capacitance than ceramic, used in smoothing power supplies. Polarized, meaning it has a positive and negative terminal.

A type of capacitor with a high capacitance and stability, often used in filter circuits. Typically polarized, requiring a specific connection.

Materials that can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not as well as metals, allowing controlled current flow.

A diode that conducts current in reverse bias when a specific voltage is reached. Used for stabilizing or regulating voltage

A special type of diode that emits light when conducting electricity.

A junction between two semiconductors, usually with an 'n-type' and a 'p-type' material, where electrical current flow can be controlled by applying a voltage.

The state of a PN junction when a voltage is applied in a way that increases the width of the depletion layer, preventing current flow.

The state of a PN Junction when a voltage is applied in a way that shrinks the depletion layer, allowing current flow.

A semiconductor device that acts as a switch, allowing current to flow when activated, or as an amplifier, increasing the strength of the signal.

A transistor with a thin slice of n-type material sandwiched between two p-type layers. Electrons are the primary current carriers.

A transistor with a thin slice of p-type material sandwiched between two n-type layers. Holes are the primary current carriers.

The middle layer in a transistor, sandwiched between the collector and emitter.

The outer layer of a transistor that collects the majority of the current flowing through the transistor.

The outer layer of a transistor where current is injected.

A type of transistor where the current flow is controlled by the voltage applied to the base.

A type of transistor where the current flow is controlled by an electric field applied to the gate.