Electronics: Understanding Resistors

Resistors in a Circuit

• The primary purpose of resistors in a circuit is to control the flow of electric current.
• Resistance is measured in Ohms (Ω) and is represented by the symbol R.

Resistor Color Coding

• The colored bands on resistors represent the resistance value, tolerance, and multiplier.
• The 'Multiplier' band in the Resistor Color Coding chart determines the power of 10 to multiply the resistance value.
• There is no minimum resistance of a resistor, as it can be any value depending on the application.
• Maximum resistance refers to the highest possible resistance value of a resistor.

Breadboard Basics

• A breadboard is a reusable platform for building and testing electronic circuits.
• Prototyping, in the context of using a breadboard, is the process of creating and testing a circuit design.
• Power rails on a breadboard are typically color-coded, with red indicating positive voltage and blue or black indicating ground (GND).
• The terminal strip inside a breadboard provides a convenient point to connect and disconnect wires.

Breadboard Connections

• Ground (GND) on a breadboard connects to the negative terminal of the power supply or the ground of the circuit.
• DUAL-IN-LINE PACKAGE (DIP) refers to the type of integrated circuit package that can be inserted into a breadboard.
• When multiple wires are connected to the same vertical pin on a breadboard, they are electrically connected.
• Different colors of wires on a breadboard typically represent different functions, such as power, ground, or signal wires.
• On a breadboard, the 5V power rail is connected to the positive voltage source, and the GND rail is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply or the ground of the circuit.