Understanding DC Circuits

Dale Patrick, Stephen Fardo

• Publisher: Newnes
• Year: 1999
• ISBN:
  9780080519944
• Topic: Design
• Subtopic: Industrial Design

Understanding DC Circuits covers the first half of a basic electronic circuits theory course, integrating theory and laboratory practice into a single text. Several key features in each unit make this an excellent teaching tool: objectives, key terms, self-tests, lab experiments, and a unit exam.

Understanding DC Circuits is designed with the electronics beginner and student in mind. The authors use a practical approach, exposing the reader to the systems that are built with DC circuits, making it easy for beginners to master even complex concepts in electronics while gradually building their knowledge base of both theory and applications. Each chapter includes easy-to-read text accompanied by clear and concise graphics fully explaining each concept before moving onto the next. The authors have provided section quizzes and chapter tests so the readers can monitor their progress and review any sections before moving onto the next chapter. Each chapter also includes several electronics experiments, allowing the reader to build small circuits and low-cost projects for the added bonus of hands-on experience in DC electronics.

Understanding DC Circuits fully covers dozens of topics including energy and matter; static electricity; electrical current; conductors; insulators; voltage; resistance; schematic diagrams and symbols; wiring diagrams; block diagrams; batteries; tools and equipment; test and measurement; series circuits; parallel circuits; magnetism; electromagnetism; inductance; capacitance; soldering techniques; circuit troubleshooting; basic electrical safety; plus much more.

• Integrates theory and lab experiments
• Contains course and learning objectives and self-quizzes
• Heavily illustrated

Unit 1

Basics of DC Electronics

Electronics is a fascinating science that we use in many different ways. It is difficult to count the many ways in which we use electronics each day. It is important for everyone today to understand electronics.

This unit deals with the most basic topics in the study of electronics. These include basic electric systems, energy and power, the structure of matter, electric charges, static electricity, electric current, voltage, and resistance. This unit and other units have definitions of important terms at the beginning. Preview these terms to gain a better understanding of what is discussed in the unit. As you study the unit, return to the definitions whenever the need arises. There are also self-examinations throughout the unit and a unit examination at the end of each unit. These will aid in understanding the material in the unit. Several experiments are suggested at the end of each unit. They may be completed in a laboratory or at home at low cost.

UNIT OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this unit, you will be able to do the following:

1. Explain the composition of matter.

2. Explain the laws of electric charges.

3. Define the terms insulator, conductor, and semiconductor.

4. Explain electric current flow.

5. Diagram a simple electric circuit.

6. Identify schematic electronic symbols.

7. Convert electric quantities from metric units to English units and English units to metric.

8. Use scientific notation to express numbers.

9. Define voltage, current, and resistance.

10. Describe basic types of batteries.

11. Connect batteries in series, parallel, and combination configurations.

12. Explain the purposes of different configurations of battery connections.

13. Explain factors that determine resistance.

14. Identify different types of resistors.

15. Identify resistor value according to color code and size.

16. Explain the operation of potentiometers (variable resistors).

17. Construct basic electronic circuits.

Important Terms

Before reading this unit, review the following terms. These terms provide a basic understanding of some of the concepts discussed. As you read other units, you may find it necessary to review these terms.

Ampere (A) The unit of electric charge, which is the basic unit of measurement for current flow in an electric circuit.

Atom The smallest particle to which an element can be reduced and still retain its characteristics.

Atomic number The number of particles called protons in the nucleus (center) of an atom.

Closed circuit A circuit that forms a complete path so that electric current can flow through it.

Compound The chemical combination of two or more elements to make an entirely different material.

Conductor A material that allows electric current to flow through it easily.

Control The part of an electric system that affects what the system does; a switch to turn on and turn off a light is a type of control.

Conventional current flow Current flow assumed to be in a direction from high charge concentration (+) to low charge concentration (–).

Coulomb (C) A unit of electric charge that represents a large number of electrons.

Current The movement of electric charge; the flow of electrons through an electric circuit.

Electromotive force (EMF) The pressure, or force, that causes electric current to flow.

Electron An atomic particle said to have a negative (–) electric charge; electrons are the means by which the transfer of electric energy takes place.

Electron current flow Current flow assumed to be in the direction of electron movement from a negative (–) potential to a positive (+) potential.

Electrostatic field The space around a charged material in which the influence of the electric charge is experienced.

Element The basic materials that make up all other materials; they exist by themselves (such as copper, hydrogen, carbon) or in combination with other elements (water is a combination of the elements hydrogen and oxygen).

Energy The capacity to do work.

Free electrons Electrons located in the outer orbit of an atom that are easily removed and result in flow of electric current.

Indicator The part of an ...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright page
• Preface
• Course Objectives
• Parts List for Experiments
• Unit 1: Basics of DC Electronics
• Unit 2: Measuring Voltage, Current, and Resistance
• Unit 3: Ohm’s Law and Electric Circuits
• Unit 4: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
• Unit 5: Electronic Instruments
• Unit 6: Inductance and Capacitance
• Appendix A: Electronic Symbols
• Appendix B: Electric Safety
• Appendix C: Electronic Equipment and Parts Sales
• Appendix D: Soldering Techniques
• Appendix E: Troubleshooting
• Index