Atoms Flashcards
What is the process of obtaining unidirectional currents and voltages from alternating currents and voltages called?
Rectification
Rectification is crucial in converting AC to DC for various applications.
What component is used for automatic switching in circuits?
Diodes
Diodes allow current to flow in one direction, enabling automatic switching.
What type of rectification is achieved using a single diode?
Half-wave rectification
Half-wave rectification allows current to pass only during one half of the AC cycle.
What happens to the diode when P is negative with respect to Q in half-wave rectification?
Diode D is switched off
The diode conducts only when the voltage is positive, blocking current when negative.
What does a transformer do in a rectification circuit?
Isolates equipment from direct connection with the mains supply
Transformers also adjust voltage levels for safe operation.
What is the output of a half-wave rectifier like?
Not constant and unsuitable as a d.c. power supply
The output waveform fluctuates and needs smoothing for stable DC supply.
How many diodes are used in a full-wave bridge rectifier circuit?
Four diodes
A bridge rectifier allows both halves of the AC waveform to be utilized.
What does the term ‘bridge’ refer to in a bridge rectifier?
A network of four elements connected to form a square
This configuration allows efficient rectification of AC signals.
What is a capacitor?
An electrical device used to store electrical energy
Capacitors are fundamental components in many electrical circuits.
In what applications are capacitors commonly used?
- Smoothing rectified a.c. outputs
- Tuning in telecommunication equipment
- Time delay circuits
- Electrical filters
- Oscillator circuits
- MRI medical body scanners
Capacitors serve various essential functions in electronic devices.
How is the equivalent capacitance of capacitors connected in parallel calculated?
C = C1 + C2 + C3 + … + Cn
In parallel connections, capacitances simply add up.
How is the equivalent capacitance of capacitors connected in series calculated?
1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3 + … + 1/Cn
In series connections, the reciprocal of the total capacitance is the sum of the reciprocals of individual capacitances.
Fill in the blank: A capacitor is the most commonly encountered component in electrical circuits next to the _______.
Resistor
Resistors and capacitors are fundamental components in circuit design.
What is the unit of electric current?
Ampere
True or False: Voltage is the measure of electric potential difference.
True
What is the formula for Ohm’s Law?
V = I * R
Fill in the blank: A ___ is a device that resists the flow of electric current.
resistor
What is the primary function of a capacitor?
To store electrical energy
Which component is used to convert AC to DC?
Rectifier
What does LED stand for?
Light Emitting Diode
True or False: A series circuit has only one path for current to flow.
True
What is the unit of resistance?
Ohm
In a parallel circuit, how does the total resistance compare to the smallest resistance?
The total resistance is less than the smallest resistance.
What is the primary function of an inductor?
To store energy in a magnetic field