Electronics is a field of engineering and physics that deals with the study of circuits and devices that control the flow of electrons. It is the foundation for modern technology, including computers, smartphones, and countless other devices.
Voltage, also known as electric potential difference, is the force that pushes electrons through a circuit. It is measured in volts, represented by the symbol V. Think of voltage like water pressure in a pipe - the higher the pressure, the faster the water flows.
Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is measured in amperes, represented by the symbol I. Current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal in a circuit, although electrons actually flow in the opposite direction.
Resistance is the opposition to current flow in a circuit. It is measured in ohms, represented by the symbol Ω. Resistors are components specifically designed to provide resistance. They limit the amount of current that can flow through a circuit.
Ohm's Law is one of the fundamental principles in electronics. It relates voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit. The law states that voltage equals current multiplied by resistance, or V equals I times R. This relationship is essential for analyzing and designing electronic circuits.
In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end in a single path. The current is the same through all components, but the voltage drops across each component. This means if one component fails, the entire circuit stops working.
In a parallel circuit, components are connected across common points or branches. The voltage is the same across all components, but the current divides among the branches. This configuration allows individual components to operate independently, so if one fails, others can still function.
A capacitor stores electrical energy in an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. Capacitance is measured in farads, represented by the symbol C. Capacitors are used in circuits for filtering, timing, and energy storage.
An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. It is typically constructed as a coil of wire. Inductance is measured in henries, represented by the symbol L. Inductors are used in circuits for filtering signals and storing energy in magnetic fields.
A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only. It has two terminals: the anode and the cathode. The arrow in the symbol indicates the direction of current flow. Diodes are used in rectifiers, signal demodulators, and voltage regulators.