1 Basic Electronics

Electrical Fundamentals 1 of 36


MATTER
Everything in the world is made of matter. Matter is

anything that has mass (weight) and occupies space.
Matter can be made up of a group or series of different
atoms to form a molecule. These groups of atoms
(molecules) are sometimes called compounds. Some
types of matter can be broken down to a single atom
while still maintaining the properties of the original
material. These types of material are called elements.
Matter has three states: Solid, Liquid, and Vapor.
MOLECULE EXAMPLE
Imagine a lake. Now imagine taking the
smallest particle or piece of water from the
lake. You would have a single molecule of
water, H2O, which is made up of two

hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Not all materials are made up of molecules.

Copper, for example, is made up of a single

copper atom. These are called elements.
Each element is a type of matter that has

certain individual characteristics.
THE ATOM
One of the basic building blocks in the universe for
matter is the atom. All matter - gas, liquid,
or solid -

is made up of molecules or atoms joined together.
These atoms are the smallest particle into which an
element or substance can be divided without losing

its property.

A single atom consists of three basic components: a

proton, a neutron, and an electron.

Within the atom there is a Nucleus. The Nucleus
contains the protons and neutrons. Orbiting around
the nucleus are the electrons.
An atom is similar to a miniature solar system. As
with the sun in the center of the universe, the
nucleus is in the center of the atom. Protons and
Neutrons are contained inside the nucleus. Orbiting
around the nucleus are the electrons.
ATOM CONSTRUCTION
An atom is similar to a
miniature solar system. As the
sun is in the center of the
solar system, so is the nucleus
is in the center of the atom.
Protons and neutrons are
contained
within the nucleus.
Electrons
orbit around the
nucleus, which would be

similar to planets orbiting

around the sun.


NUCLEUS
The Nucleus is located in the
center of the atom (shown in

red).

The Nucleus contains the

protons and neutrons.

Orbiting around the nucleus
are the electrons.
PROTONS
Protons are located within the
nucleus of the atom (shown in blue).
Protons are positively (+) charged.

NEUTRONS

Neutrons add atomic weight to an

atom (shown in green).
Neutrons have no electrical charge.
ELECTRONS
Electrons orbit around the nucleus of the
atom (shown in yellow).
Electrons are negatively (-) charged.
Since electrons are lighter than protons and
are outside the nucleus, they can be easily
moved from atom to atom to form a flow of
electrons. Normally electrons are prevented
from being pulled into the atom by the
forward momentum of their rotation.
Electrons are also prevented from flying
away because of the magnetic attraction of

the protons inside the nucleus, the same

type of force that keeps the planets orbiting

around the sun.


ELECTRICAL CHARGES
Opposite electrical charges always attract each

other. So these particles with opposite charges will
tend to move toward each other. Like electrical
charges always repel. So particles with like charges
will move away from each other.
Remember: Opposites charges attract, and like
charges repel.
Atoms always try to remain electrically balanced.

BALANCED ATOMS
Atoms normally have an equal number of

electrons and protons.
Atoms have no electrical charge. They are
neither positive nor negative. They are
electrically neutral or BALANCED.The
negative charge of the electrons will
cancel the positive charge of the protons,
thus balancing the charge of the atom.

This cancellation of charges creates a

natural attraction or bonding between the

positive proton and the negative electron.


ION PARTICLES

When an atom loses or gains an

electron, an
imbalance occurs.

The atom becomes either a
positively or
negatively charged
particle called an ION. These
unbalanced charged ION
particles are responsible for
electron flow (electricity).
IONs will take or release an
electron to become balanced
again.
ION CHARGE

A positive (+) ION has one
less electron than it has
protons.

A negative (-) ION has one

more electron than it has

protons.
The positive ION attracts a
negative ION to become
balanced. This attraction or
difference in electrical
potential causes electron flow.
Electrical Fundamentals
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ELECTRON ORBITS
Electrons rotate around the

atom at different orbits called
Rings, Orbits, or Shells.

BOUND ELECTRONS orbit the
nucleus on the inner rings.
Bound electrons have a strong
magnetic attraction to the
nucleus.

FREE ELECTRONS orbit on the

outermost ring which is known

as the VALANCE RING.

Electrical 14 of 36
Fundamentals
FREE ELECTRONS
Only the FREE ELECTRONS in the
outermost shell (Valance Ring) are free to
move from atom to atom. This movement
is called ELECTRON FLOW.

These FREE ELECTRONS are loosely
held and can easily be moved to another
atom or ion.
Because of their distance from the
nucleus, free electrons have a weak
magnetic attraction. Since this attraction is
not as strong to the nucleus as the bound
electrons on the inner orbits, the electrons
move easily from atom to atom.

INSULATORS
An INSULATOR is any material that
inhibits (stops) the flow of electrons
(electricity).

An insulator is any material with 5 to 8
free electrons in the outer ring.
Because, atoms with 5 to 8 electrons
in the outer ring are held (bound)
tightly to the atom, they CANNOT be
easily moved to another atom nor
make room for more electrons.
Insulator material includes glass,

rubber, and plastic.
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CONDUCTORS
A CONDUCTOR is any material that
easily allows electrons (electricity) to
flow.
A CONDUCTOR has 1 to 3 free

electrons in the outer
ring.Because atoms with 1 to 3
electrons in the outer ring are held
(bound) loosely to the atom, they
can easily move to another atom or
make room for more electrons.

Conductor material includes copper
and gold.

SEMICONDUCTORS
Any material with exactly 4
free electrons in the outer orbit
are called
SEMICONDUCTORS.
A semiconductor is neither a
conductor or insulator.
semiconductor material
includes carbon, silicon, and
germanium.
These materials are be used in

the manufacturer of diodes,
transistors, and integrated
circuit chips.
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Two Current Flow theories exist. The first is:
ELECTRON THEORY
The Electron Theory states that current flows
from NEGATIVE to POSITIVE. Electrons move
from atom to atom as they move through the
conductor
towards positive.

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The second Current Flow theory is:
CONVENTIONAL THEORY
Conventional theory, also known as HOLE THEORY,
states that current flows from POSITIVE to NEGATIVE.
Protons or the lack of electrons (the holes) move
towards the negative. (Current flow direction in Hole
Theory is the opposite of that in Electron Theory.)
VOLTAGE
Voltage is the electrical force that moves electrons
through a conductor. Voltage is electrical pressure
also known as EMF (Electro Motive Force) that
pushes electrons.

The greater the difference in electrical potential
push (difference between positive and negative),
the greater the voltage force potential.

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MEASUREMENT
A VOLTMETER measures the
voltage potential across or
parallel to the circuit.
The Voltmeter measures the

amount of electrical pressure
difference between two points
being measured.
Voltage can exist between
two points without electron
flow.
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VOLTAGE UNITS
Voltage is measured in units called VOLTS.
Voltage measurements can use different value
prefixes such as millivolt, volt, Kilovolt, and
Megavolt.
VOLTAGE LESS THAN BASIC UNIT LARGER THAN

BASE UNIT BASE UNIT
Symbol mV V kV
Pronounced millivolt Volt Kilovolt
Multiplier 0.001 1 1,000
CURRENT (AMPERES)
CURRENT is the quantity or flow rate of electrons

moving past a point within one second. Current flow is
also known as amperage, or amps for short.
Higher voltage will produce higher current flow, and
lower voltage will produce lower current flow.
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MEASUREMENT
An AMMETER measures the quantity of current flow.
Ammeters are placed in series (inline) to count the
electrons passing through it.
Example: A water meter counts the gallons of water

flowing through it.
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AMPERAGE UNITS
Current flow is measured in units called Amperes or
AMPS.
Amperage measurements can use different value
prefixes, such as microamp, milliamp, and Amp.
AMPERAGE LESS THAN LESS THAN BASIC UNIT

BASE UNIT BASE UNIT
Symbol µA mA A
Pronounced Microamp milliamp Amp
Multiplier 0.000001 0.001 1
AFFECTS OF CURRENT FLOW
Two common effects of current flow are Heat Generation and

Electromagnetism.
HEAT: When current flows, heat will be generated. The higher

the current flow the greater the heat generated. An example
would be a light bulb. If enough current flows across the
filament, it will glow white hot and illuminate to produce light.
ELECTROMAGNETISM: When current flows, a small magnetic

field is created. The higher the current flow, the stronger the
magnetic field. An example: Electromagnetism principles are
used in alternators, ignition systems, and other electronic
devices.

RESISTANCE
Resistance is the force that reduces or stops the
flow of electrons. It opposes voltage.
Higher resistance will decrease the flow of electrons and
lower resistance will allow more electrons to flow.

MEASUREMENT
An OHMMETER measures the resistance of an electrical
circuit or component. No voltage can be applied while the
ohmmeter is connected, or damage to the meter will
occur.
Example: Water flows through a garden hose, and
someone steps on the hose. The greater the pressure
placed on the hose, the greater the hose restriction and
the less water flows.

RESISTANCE UNITS
Resistance is measured in units called OHMS.
Resistance measurements can use different value
prefixes, such as Kilo ohm and Megaohms.
AMPERAGE BASIC UNIT MORE THAN MORE THAN

BASE UNIT BASE UNIT
Symbol K M
Pronounced Ohm Kilo ohm Mega ohm
Multiplier 1 1,000 1,000,000
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RESISTANCE FACTORS
Various factors can affect the resistance. These include:
LENGTH of the conductor. The longer the conductor,
the

higher the resistance.
DIAMETER of the conductor. The narrower the

conductor, the higher the resistance.
TEMPERATURE of the material. Depending on the
material, most will increase resistance as temperature
increases.
PHYSICAL CONDITION (DAMAGE) to the material.

Any damage will increase resistance.
TYPE of MATERIAL used. Various materials have a wide
range of resistances.
TYPES OF ELECTRICITY
Two basic types of Electricity classifications:
STATIC ELECTRICITY is electricity that is standing still.

Voltage potential with NO electron flow.
DYNAMIC ELECTRICITY is electricity that is in motion.

Voltage potential WITH electron flow. Two types of
Dynamic electricity exist:
Direct Current (DC) Electron Flow is in only one

direction.
Alternating Current (AC) Electron flow alternates and

flows in both directions (back and forth).
Electrical 32 of 36
Fundamentals
STATIC ELECTRICITY
Voltage potential with NO electron flow.
Example: By rubbing a silk cloth on a glass rod, you
physically remove electrons from the glass rod and place
them on the cloth. The cloth now has a surplus of
electrons (negatively charged), and the rod now has a
deficiency of electrons (positively charged).
Another example: Rub your shoes on a rug and then
touch a metal table or chair .... Zap!! The shock you felt
was the static electricity dissipating through your body.

DYNAMIC ELECTRICITY
is electricity in motion, meaning you have electrons
flowing, in other words voltage potential WITH electron
flow.
Two types of dynamic electricity exists:

Direct Current (DC)
Alternating Current (AC)

DIRECT CURRENT (DC)

Electricity with electrons flowing in only one direction
is called Direct Current or DC.
DC electrical systems are used in cars.

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ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)

Electricity with electrons flowing back and forth,
negative - positive- negative, is called Alternating
Current, or AC.
The electrical appliances in your home use AC power.

SOURCES OF ELECTRICITY
Electricity can be created by several means: Friction, Heat, Light,
Pressure, Chemical Action, or Magnetic Action.
Only a few of these sources of energy are used in the
automobile. The battery produces electricity through chemical
action, and the alternator produces electricity through magnetic
action.
Friction creates static electricity.
Heat can act upon a device called a thermo couple to create DC.
Light applied to photoelectric materials will produce DC
electricity.
Pressure applied to a piezoelectric material will produce DC
electricity.
Chemical Action of certain chemicals will create electricity.

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Electrical Fundamentals 1 of 36

Everything in the world is made of matter. Matter is

Opposite electrical charges always attract each

Atoms normally have an equal number of

ION CHARGE

Electrons rotate around the

Insulator material includes glass,

A CONDUCTOR has 1 to 3 free

These materials are be used in

Two Current Flow theories exist. The first is:

The Voltmeter measures the

VOLTAGE LESS THAN BASIC UNIT LARGER THAN

CURRENT is the quantity or flow rate of electrons

Example: A water meter counts the gallons of water

AMPERAGE LESS THAN LESS THAN BASIC UNIT

AFFECTS OF CURRENT FLOW

Two common effects of current flow are Heat Generation and

HEAT: When current flows, heat will be generated. The higher

ELECTROMAGNETISM: When current flows, a small magnetic

AMPERAGE BASIC UNIT MORE THAN MORE THAN

DIAMETER of the conductor. The narrower the

PHYSICAL CONDITION (DAMAGE) to the material.

STATIC ELECTRICITY is electricity that is standing still.

DYNAMIC ELECTRICITY is electricity that is in motion.

Direct Current (DC) Electron Flow is in only one

Alternating Current (AC) Electron flow alternates and

DIRECT CURRENT (DC)

ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC)

The electrical appliances in your home use AC power.

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