Electrical Engineering Quiz

Questions and Answers

Describe the emergence of electrical engineering as an identifiable occupation in the 19th century.

Electrical engineering emerged as an identifiable occupation in the latter half of the 19th century after the commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution, and use.

What are some of the different fields into which electrical engineering is now divided?

Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of different fields, including computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, photovoltaic cells, electronics, and optics and photonics.

What are some examples of specializations within electrical engineering?

Specializations within electrical engineering include hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics/control, and electrical materials science.

What are some of the professional bodies or international standards organizations that electrical engineers may be members of?

Practising engineers may be members of professional bodies or international standards organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, formerly the IEE). Signup and view all the answers

What degrees do electrical engineers typically hold?

Electrical engineers typically hold a degree in electrical engineering or electronic engineering. Signup and view all the answers

How can direct current be converted from an alternating current supply?

Direct current may be converted from an alternating current supply by use of a rectifier, which contains electronic or electromechanical elements that allow current to flow only in one direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is direct current (DC) and how does it differ from alternating current (AC)?

Direct current is the one-directional flow of electric charge, while alternating current changes direction periodically. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the uses of direct current?

Direct current has many uses, from charging batteries to powering electronic systems, motors, smelting of aluminum, and high-voltage power transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Who produced the first direct current in 1800, and how?

Italian physicist Alessandro Volta produced the first direct current using his Voltaic pile, which was an early electric battery. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can direct current flow, as mentioned in the text?

Direct current may flow through a conductor, semiconductors, insulators, or even through a vacuum as in electron or ion beams. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergence of Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering emerged as an identifiable occupation in the 19th century.

Fields of Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is divided into various fields, including:
- Power engineering
- Control systems
- Telecommunications
- Signal processing
- Microelectronics
- Electromagnetics

Specializations in Electrical Engineering

Examples of specializations within electrical engineering include:
- Power systems engineering
- Electrical circuits design
- Telecommunications engineering
- Control systems engineering

Professional Bodies and Standards Organizations

Electrical engineers may be members of professional bodies and international standards organizations, such as:
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

Education and Qualifications

Electrical engineers typically hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC)

Direct current (DC) is an electric current that flows in only one direction.
Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction.
DC can be converted from an AC supply using a rectifier or inverter.

History of Direct Current

The first direct current was produced by Italian physicist Alessandro Volta in 1800, using a voltaic pile (an early battery).
DC can flow continuously in one direction, or pulsed, with a series of on-off pulses.

Uses of Direct Current

DC is used in various applications, including:
- Electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, laptops)
- Automobiles (e.g., starters, alternators)
- Renewable energy systems (e.g., solar, wind power)