Electrical Fundamentals and Voltage Sources

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a voltage source in an electric circuit?

To increase the potential difference to allow current to flow.

Describe the difference between current and voltage.

Current is the flow of electrons, while voltage is the force applied to a conductor to drive that flow.

What is the role of resistors in an electric circuit?

Resistors resist the flow of current and cause a voltage drop across them.

Explain the concept of capacitance in relation to a capacitor.

Capacitance is a measure of a capacitor's ability to store electrical charge in an electrostatic field. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a parallel circuit?

In a parallel circuit, two or more resistances are placed side by side, allowing multiple paths for current flow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of nodes in an electric circuit?

Nodes are junctions where multiple elements connect, essential for defining circuit paths. Signup and view all the answers

How do inductors store energy, and in what form?

Inductors store energy in a magnetic field. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do diodes act in an electric circuit?

Diodes function as one-way switches, allowing current to flow in only one direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by voltage drop in an electric circuit?

The voltage loss across a component Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes reactive power?

Imaginary power form inductive loads Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a closed circuit?

It allows current to flow continuously Signup and view all the answers

How do transistors function within electric circuits?

They amplify electrical signals Signup and view all the answers

What role do capacitors play in an electric circuit?

They store energy in an electrostatic field Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the total resistance in a DC series circuit as more resistors are added?

Total resistance increases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes impedance?

It combines resistance and inductive reactance Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a parallel circuit from a series circuit?

Components share the same voltage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electrical Fundamentals

Current: Flow of electrons
Electric Current: Flow of free electrons
Voltage: Force applied to a conductor, causing electron flow
Resistance: Factor influencing electric circuit flow. Resistors oppose current flow.
Capacitors: Store energy electrostatically, storing a charge. Capacitance measures this storage capacity.
Inductors: Store energy magnetically, as a component of a coil.
Conductors: Materials allowing current flow (e.g., wires, cords, cables).
Semiconductors: Materials like silicon, enabling controlled current flow.
Insulators: Materials preventing current flow (e.g., rubber, glass).

Voltage Sources

Voltage Sources: Devices increasing potential difference, enabling current flow.
Voltage Drop: Voltage across a resistor.
Power: Rate of work done
Reactive Power: Imaginary power from inductive loads.
Impedance: Combination of resistance and inductive reactance.

Circuit Types

DC Series Circuit: Resistors connected end-to-end.
Parallel Circuit: Resistors connected side-by-side.
Nodes: Junctions where multiple components connect.
Branches: Segments of a circuit containing a single component.
Loops: Any closed path within a circuit.
Diodes: One-way switches for current flow.
Transistors: Signal amplifiers.
Electric Circuit: Continuous path for current flow.
Closed Circuit: Uninterrupted path allowing current.
Open Circuit: Uninterrupted path preventing current.
Short Circuit: Unintended path allowing current flow.
LR Series Circuit: Consisting of an inductor and resistance.

Ohm's Law

Ohm's Law: Voltage is directly proportional to current.

Other Electrical Concepts

Transformers: Devices transferring electrical energy.
Delta Connection: Preferred for short distances.
Power Factor: Ratio of working power (kW) to apparent power.
Lights/Illumination: General lighting, intensity per unit area.
Luminous Flux: Total visible light.
Lumens/Lux: Units of luminous energy and illumination.
Watts: Electrical power consumed.
Footcandles: Illuminance on a surface (1ft^2)

Circuit Protection and Analysis

Mesh Analysis: Simplified closed circuit paths.
Electricity: Flow of electrons.
Volt: Electrical pressure.
Ampere: Unit for current.
Watt: Power rate.
Circuit: Wire installation supplying current.
Current: Flow or rate of flow of electric force.
DC Current: One-directional current.
AC Current: Reversing directional current.
Frequency/Hertz: Number of times a cycle reverses.
Impedance: Resistance in AC electricity.
Ohm's Law (AC): V = IZ (and AC power = (V)(I)(PF))

Wiring and System Components

DC Electricity: Power (VI).
Parallel Circuit: Wiring connections for lighting, convenience outlets, in houses.
Circuit Breaker: Protective device for circuits.
Pole-Type: Electrical load distribution centers.
Cable: Electrical conductors ≥ 8mm².
Wire: Electrical conductors ≤ 8mm².
Stranded Wire: Multiple twisted wires.
Receptacle: Electrical connector.
Raceways: Conduits for electrical conductors.
Convenience Outlet: Connection for appliances.
Switchboard: Assemblage of switches
Armored Cable: Insulated conductors in enclosed protection
Metal Claded Cable: One or more insulated conductors.

Circuit Operation and Types

Appliance Branch Circuit: Dedicated for appliances.
Electric Circuit: Complete path for current flow.
Voltage: Electrical pressure.
Switchboard/Switchgear: Assemblies of switches, fuses, and breakers.
Individual Branch Circuit: Circuit for single item.
Overcurrent: Excess current.
Fuses: Protective devices with fusible link.
Panel Board: Arrangement of circuit breakers.
Supply System: Emergency power source (battery, generator).
Service Entrance: Portion of power source.
Service Drop: Overhead service conductor.
Service Entrance Conductor: From last pole to terminal.
Transfer Switch: Automatically switching to back-up power.
Feeder Lines: Circuits between service equipment and over current devices.
Intermittent Duty: Operations with load/no load intervals.
Controller: Device governing operation.
Demand Factor: Ratio of maximum demand to system's load.
Continuous Duty: Constant load operation.
Ground: Conductive connection, intentional/accidental.
Overload: Exceeding rate capacity.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of electrical fundamentals and voltage sources in this quiz. Understand key terms such as current, voltage, resistance, and the roles of various components like capacitors and inductors. Test your knowledge on how these elements work together in electric circuits.