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Electrical Components | Definitions
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Electrical Components | Definitions
Ammeter
This is fitted in series in a circuit and the rate of current flow is measured in amperes by the ammeter.
Bell/Buzzer
A bell or buzzer emits an audible sound when current passes through it.
Breadboard
An electronic circuit may be assembled without soldering by plugging components into a breadboard. This facilitates pre-testing of circuits before final soldering.
Capacitor
This stores electric charge and releases the energy when it's required. It consists of two metal plates separated by an insulator.
Diode
A diode is used to allow current to flow in one direction only and is often used to protect other components in a circuit.
Fuse
This is a safety device used to protect an electrical circuit from the effect of excessive current.
Heat Sink
A metal plate which radiates heat away from an electronic component, keeping its temperature low and thus preventing damage.
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
The resistance of an LDR drops as the light falling on it increases. It has a high resistance in the dark and a low resistance in daylight and it can be used in photographic exposure meters. A light-dependent resistor only allows current to pass through when sufficient light is present.
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
These produce light and are often used to indicate if a circuit is working. They give off little heat and give off less power than a bulb.
Resistor
This is a semiconductor device which restricts the flow of current.
Thermistor
This is a semiconductor device whose resistance changes as the temperature rises or falls. It converts changes in temperature to changes in resistance.
Thermostat/Thermostatic Control
This is a system that seeks to maintain a fixed temperature. Temperature is measured and additional heat is only added if the temperature drops. This preserves energy as heat is only generated if needed.
Transistors
Transistors are used as switches. A small base/emitter current allows for a greater flow of current between the base and collector. It acts as an amplifier or an electronic switch in a circuit.
Variable Resistors
These allow more or less current to flow in a circuit. They are used in circuits to vary the amount of current flowing through a component.
Voltmeter
The voltage (potential difference) at points in a circuit is measured with a voltmeter.
Non-Metals in Electronics
Non-metals will only be conductive under certain conditions. Silicon or germanium are easily doped and are used in the manufacture of transistors and diodes.
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Ammeter
This is fitted in series in a circuit and the rate of current flow is measured in amperes by the ammeter.
Bell/Buzzer
A bell or buzzer emits an audible sound when current passes through it.
Breadboard
An electronic circuit may be assembled without soldering by plugging components into a breadboard. This facilitates pre-testing of circuits before final soldering.
Capacitor
This stores electric charge and releases the energy when it's required. It consists of two metal plates separated by an insulator.
Diode
A diode is used to allow current to flow in one direction only and is often used to protect other components in a circuit.
Fuse
This is a safety device used to protect an electrical circuit from the effect of excessive current.
Heat Sink
A metal plate which radiates heat away from an electronic component, keeping its temperature low and thus preventing damage.
Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
The resistance of an LDR drops as the light falling on it increases. It has a high resistance in the dark and a low resistance in daylight and it can be used in photographic exposure meters. A light-dependent resistor only allows current to pass through when sufficient light is present.
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
These produce light and are often used to indicate if a circuit is working. They give off little heat and give off less power than a bulb.
Resistor
This is a semiconductor device which restricts the flow of current.
Thermistor
This is a semiconductor device whose resistance changes as the temperature rises or falls. It converts changes in temperature to changes in resistance.
Thermostat/Thermostatic Control
This is a system that seeks to maintain a fixed temperature. Temperature is measured and additional heat is only added if the temperature drops. This preserves energy as heat is only generated if needed.
Transistors
Transistors are used as switches. A small base/emitter current allows for a greater flow of current between the base and collector. It acts as an amplifier or an electronic switch in a circuit.
Variable Resistors
These allow more or less current to flow in a circuit. They are used in circuits to vary the amount of current flowing through a component.
Voltmeter
The voltage (potential difference) at points in a circuit is measured with a voltmeter.
Non-Metals in Electronics
Non-metals will only be conductive under certain conditions. Silicon or germanium are easily doped and are used in the manufacture of transistors and diodes.