Soldering

Question 1

What is solder made from?

Answer 1

Hollow with an inner core of rosin

Question 2

What occurs when the solder heats up?

Answer 2

The rosin melts immediately. The metal is cleaned and a good solder connection is made

Question 3

What is the best composition for solder?

Answer 3

40% tin, 60% lead

Question 4

What safety practice should you do after soldering?

Answer 4

WASH YOUR HANDS.

Lead is toxic and can enter your body

Question 5

What are pads and traces on a PCB?

Answer 5

Pads are the junctions present in a PCB.

Traces are the connections between pads

Question 6

What are leads?

Answer 6

They are the long wires which stick out of components. They inserted into the pads

Question 7

Why should you clean the soldering iron tip regularly?

Answer 7

To prevent the buildup of oxides (are an insulator). This ensures good solder connections
Use a sponge

Question 8

Describe the procedure of soldering

Answer 8

1. Hold soldering iron in dominant hand and solder with other hand
2. Position the soldering iron between the pad and lead
3. Introduce solder and apply it for ONE SECOND
4. Remove solder BUT keep soldering iron positioned for one more second (to ensure solder, whilst its hot, has the chance to move around the pad and lead)

Question 9

What is the smoke that arises from soldering?

Answer 9

That is the rosin vaporizing.

Don’t breathe it if you want to live

Question 10

How to do identify a poor solder connection?

Answer 10

1. The solder is flat (there is no hill shape)

2. If the pad is visible

Question 11

What safety tips should you follow when cutting off component leads?

Answer 11

Hold the lead with one hand while you cut it with the other