Electrical engineering Flashcards
Where are electrical components used?
Circuits in houses
Where are electronic components used?
Phone, tv
What types of material is used in electrical components?
Metals and alloys (conductors)
Ex: Copper
What types of material is used in electronic components?
Non-metals/Metalloids
(semi-conductors)
Ex: silicon
What is the size of circuits in electrical components?
Huge
What is the size of circuits in electronic components?
Micro (small)
How powerful are circuits in electrical components?
Powerful
How powerful are circuits in electronic components?
Minimal power
Describe direct current.
The electrons are flowing in one direction
Describe alternating current.
When the electrons flow back and forth, many times per second, in a regular pattern. Usually used in a power supply.
Helps keep V high to go to a greater distance from power station to home.
Study components.
do it
What is the function of a power supply?
Components that can generate or provide the energy that makes an electric current in a circuit
Advantages of batteries
Portable appliances
Disadvantages of batteries
- Must be replaced after some time
- When thrown out, the cells in batteries can harm the environment
What are the different kinds of power supplies?
- Batteries
- Electrical outlet
- Photovoltaic cell
Advantages of electrical outlets
- Stable and long lasting
- Little greenhouse gas
Disadvantages of electrical outlets
- Hydroelectric dams cause flooding
- Appliances can’t be moved far from wall outlet
- Appliances don’t work during power outages
Advantages of photovoltaic cells
- Can be used in isolated areas
- Power portable devices
- No greenhouse gas emissions
- Life span 20-30 years
Disadvantages of photovoltaic cells
- Operation depends on weather conditions
- Very expensive to install
Describe the function of a switch
- To control
- Gives user control
- The component that can turn the circuit on and off
What does the amount of poles affect?
The number of contacts open
number of switches
What does the amount of throws affect?
The number of circuit options/paths for electrons to be activated
(amount of circuits which can be turned on/off)
Define double throw
(bi-directional)
There are 2 different circuit options
Define single throw
(mono-directional)
Only 1 path for electrons can be activated
Define single pole.
Double pole.
Single: 1 contact opens
Double: 2 contacts open
What are the different types of switches?
- Push button
- Lever (toggle)
- Flip flop (rocker)
- Magnetic contact switch
What is the function of a conductor? Give examples.
Component that can conduct electric current from one part of a circuit to another
Ex: Copper, gold wire
What is the function of insulators/insulation?
Component that can insulate the flow of electrons (from point A to point B)
Describe the function of fuses/breakers?
Component that protects. It automatically stops current flow in the case of a power surge
Describe fuses
- Function: protect
- Container with a conductive wire inside with low heat resistance
When current intensity is too high the filament melts/breaks due to intense heat of moving electrons stops current flow in the event of too much current/power - Fuse must be replaced once filament breaks
Describe breakers
- Function: Protect
- A switch (control) with a metal strip inside
- When current intensity is too high, the bimetallic strip gets hot and bends and therefore prevents an electric current from flowing through the circuit
- Flick the switch to re-establish the flow of electric current
Describe the energy transformation in light bulbs/LEDs.
Electrical energy–> Light and heat
Describe the energy transformation in batteries.
- Function: to power
In use:
Chemical energy –> Electrical energy and heat
Being charged:
Electrical energy–> Chemical energy and heat
Describe the energy transformation in motors
Electrical energy–> Mechanical energy and heat and sound
Describe the energy transformation in speakers
Electrical energy –> sound and mechanical energy and heat
Describe the energy transformation in audible warning devices
Electrical energy –> sound and heat
Describe capacitors
A device composed of two electrical surfaces separated by an insulating material. It can store electrical charge (remove insulting material=quick discharge)
What are capacitors used for?
Used as a back-up of electrical charge when there is a large power voltage drop or when you need a quick boost of charge (camera flash)
Describe diodes
Diodes allow current to flow in only one direction
Give an example of how DIODES (not LEDs) are useful
If you put your battery in the remote control backwards it doesn’t fry fragile electronic parts
Why are LEDs useful?
Highly energy efficient
In: phone, computer screen, flats screen tvs, traffic light
- LESS DISSIPATED ENERGY
What is it called when electrical energy is transformed into heat?
Heat is dissipated energy
