Understanding EET

REVISION
CHARGE
Charge: is an electrical property of the atomic particles
of matter, measured in Coulombs,(C).
- 1 C of charge requires 6.24 x 1018electrons.
- 1 electron charge e = −1.602 x 10−19 C.
- Law of Conservation of Charge: Charge can only be transferred. Cannot be
created /destroyed.
Explain the concept of electric charge as
presented in the text. How is it quantified?

Suggested answer:
Electric charge is an intrinsic property of atomic particles that
allows them to exert forces on each other. It is quantified in
Coulombs (C), where 1 Coulomb corresponds to a specific amount
of charge that can be related to a certain number of electrons.
Specifically, 1 Coulomb is equivalent to the charge of
approximately 6.24 x 10^18 electrons.
CHARGE AND CURRENT

When a conducting
wire is connected This motion of charges
to a battery, the creates electric current.
charges will move
(+ve and – ve
charges move in
different
directions).
Explain the relationship between charge
movement and the creation of electric
current in a conducting wire connected to a
battery.

Suggested answer:
When a conducting wire is connected to a battery, charges within
the wire start to move due to the potential difference created by
the battery. Positive charges (traditionally holes) move in one
direction, while negative charges (electrons) move in the opposite
direction. This simultaneous movement of charges constitutes
electric current, which is defined as the flow of electric charge.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
Electric current:
• is a reaction to the “pressure” established by an
applied voltage.
• is the time rate of charge flow measured in Amperes, (A).

dq i= the current in amperes

i= q= the charge in coulombs
dt t= the time in seconds
Explain the relationship between current,
charge, and time based on the provided
definitions.

Suggested answer:
The relationship between current (i), charge (q), and time (t) is
defined by the formula i = q/t, where current is the rate at which
electric charge flows. This means that if a certain amount of
charge passes through a point in a circuit over a specific period,
the current can be calculated by dividing the charge by the time
taken. Understanding this relationship highlights how varying
either charge or time affects the overall current in a circuit.
In what units is electric current measured,
and why are these units significant?

Suggested answer:
Electric current is measured in Amperes (A). This unit is significant
because it quantifies the amount of electric charge flowing through
a conductor per unit time. One ampere is defined as one coulomb
of charge passing through a cross-section of a conductor in one
second. Understanding that current is measured in amperes helps
in assessing how much current is needed for different electrical
applications.
TYPES OF CURRENT
Direct current (dc): a current that remains constant with
time. Direct Current (DC)
EXAMPLE OF DC SOURCES
DC generator

Batteries
Rectification
power supply
What is the primary characteristic of direct
current (dc)?
It fluctuates rapidly over time
It reverses direction periodically
It remains constant with time
A.It is only used in batteries

Correct answer: C
Which of the following is a typical
application of direct current?
AC motors
LED lighting
Radio transmissions
A.Electric power lines

Correct answer: B
TYPES OF CURRENT
Alternating current (ac): a current that varies
sinusoidally with time.
Alternating Current
(AC)
EXAMPLE OF AC SOURCES
Can you explain how alternating current (AC)
differs from direct current (DC) in terms of
its characteristics and applications?

Suggested answer:
Alternating current (AC) differs from direct current (DC) primarily in
how the electric charge moves. AC current changes direction
periodically, leading to a sinusoidal waveform, while DC current
flows in a single direction. This difference in behavior makes AC
more suitable for transmitting power over long distances due to its
ability to be transformed to higher voltages, reducing energy loss.
AC is commonly used in household power supply, while DC is often
used in batteries and electronic devices.
VOLTAGE
Voltage:
• is established by simply creating a separation of positive and
negative charges.
• The energy required to move a unit charge through an
element, measured in volts (V).

dw V = the voltage in volts

v= W = the energy in joules
dq q= the charge in coulombs
VOLTAGE
When a current flows through a circuit element, it
develops a voltage drop across the terminals of
that element .
Voltage drop at
electrical
element
Explain the concept of voltage and how it
relates to the separation of positive and
negative charges in an electrical system.

Suggested answer:
Voltage is the measure of the potential energy per unit charge
available to move charges through an electrical circuit. It is
established when there is a separation of positive and negative
charges, creating an electric field that can do work on charges.
This separation can occur through various means, such as
chemical reactions in batteries or physical processes in capacitors.
POWER
Power: The time rate of expending or absorbing
energy (doing work), measured in watts,
(W).
dw dw P = the power in watts
p = = dq . =v v = the voltage in volts
dt
dq i i = the current in amperes
dt

2
2
Explain the concept of power in the context
of electrical systems and how it is
quantified.

Suggested answer:
Power in electrical systems refers to the rate at which energy is
expended or absorbed, essentially representing how much work is
done over time. It is quantified in watts (W), where 1 watt is
equivalent to 1 joule per second. The formula used to calculate
power is P = vi, where P is power in watts, v is voltage in volts, and
i is current in amperes.
 POWER
• Current direction and voltage
polarity play a major role in
determining the sign of power. SUPPLIED POWER ABSORBED POWER
• The voltage polarity and current
direction must conform in order
for the power to have a positive
sign.
• This is known as the passive sign
convention.
• By the passive sign convention,
current enters through the
positive polarity of the voltage.
• In this case, p = +vi or vi > 0
implies that the element is
absorbing power. However, if p =
−vi or vi < 0, the element is
releasing or supplying power.
In what scenario would the power be
considered positive according to the passive
sign convention, and why is this important?

Suggested answer:
Power is considered positive when the current enters through the
positive polarity of the voltage, as expressed by the equation p =
+vi. This is important because it indicates that the electrical
component is absorbing power rather than supplying it, which is
essential for proper analysis and design of electrical systems.
How would you apply the passive sign
convention to analyze a circuit with a
resistor, given specific values of voltage and
current?

Suggested answer:
To apply the passive sign convention, first, identify the polarity of
the voltage across the resistor and the direction of the current
flowing through it. If the current enters through the positive
terminal of the voltage source, then according to p = vi, you can
calculate the power. If you find the product of voltage and current
to be positive, it indicates the resistor is absorbing power, which is
typical in resistive components.
POWER & ENERGY
Energy:
➢ The capacity to do work, measured in joules,
(J).
➢ Power is the rate at which energy is used.
w = the energy in
w
p= joules
t = the time in seconds

t p = the power in watts

2
POWER & ENERGY
OHM’S LAW
The relationship between current and voltage for a resistor.
Ohm’s Law: the voltage, v across a resistor is directly proportional to
the current, i flowing through the resistor.

v = the voltage in volts

v
i = the current in amperes
iR
R = the resistance in ohms
Memory Aid for the Ohm’s Law Relationship

v v v
i R i R i R
27

i = v/R v = iR R = v/i
POWER

Relationship between Power and Ohm’s Law

Power in a resistor in Power in a resistor in

terms of current: terms of voltage:

PI 2 V2
P
R R
28
How does Ohm's Law relate to the formulas
for power in terms of current and voltage?
Provide a brief explanation of this
relationship.

Suggested answer:
Ohm's Law states that V = I * R, which illustrates the relationship
between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R). Both power
formulas P = I²R and P = V²/R can be derived from this law. By
substituting V in P = V*I with I * R, and likewise substituting I in P
= V²/R with V/R, we see that Ohm’s Law is foundational in
connecting voltage, current, and resistance to the power dissipated
in a resistor.
SHORT & OPEN CIRCUITS

Short circuit: a circuit Open circuit: a circuit

element with resistance element with resistance
approaching zero. approaching infinity.

30
Explain the differences between a short
circuit and an open circuit in terms of their
resistance properties.

Suggested answer:
A short circuit is characterized by a resistance that approaches
zero, allowing current to flow freely with minimal opposition.
Conversely, an open circuit has a resistance that approaches
infinity, which prevents current from flowing at all. This
fundamental difference in resistance leads to distinct operational
behaviors in electrical circuits.
In what scenarios might you encounter a
short circuit, and what are the potential
consequences?

Suggested answer:
Short circuits can occur in scenarios such as faulty wiring, failure of
insulation, or when conductive materials unintentionally bridge a
circuit path. The consequences can include excessive current flow
leading to overheating, equipment damage, electrical fires, and
potentially creating hazardous conditions for users.
How does the resistance of a short circuit
and an open circuit affect their application in
electronic devices?

Suggested answer:
In electronic devices, a short circuit allows for rapid current flow,
which can be advantageous in high-energy applications but poses
risks of overheating and damage. In contrast, an open circuit is
used to intentionally interrupt current flow in devices like switches,
preventing operation when not needed, thus promoting safety and
efficiency.
KIRCHHOFF’S LAW
KIRCHHOFF CURRENT LAW (KCL): The algebraic sum of all the
currents at any node in a circuit equals zero.

i1  (i2 )  i3  i4  (i5 )  0
34

i1  i 3  i 4 
i 2  i5
Total current in = Total current out
Can you explain the significance of
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) in the analysis
of electrical circuits?

Suggested answer:
Kirchhoff's Current Law is significant because it ensures the
conservation of electric charge in a circuit. It states that the total
current entering a junction must equal the total current leaving
that junction. This principle is fundamental in analyzing and
designing electrical circuits, as it allows engineers to predict how
currents will flow and how components will interact within the
system.
KIRCHHOFF’S LAW
KIRCHHOFF VOLTAGE LAW (KVL): The algebraic sum of all the
voltages around any closed path in a circuit equals zero.

v1  v2  v3  v4  v5  0
36
v2  v3  v5  v1  v4
Explain Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in your own
words and provide an example of how it
applies to a simple electrical circuit.

Suggested answer:
Kirchhoff's Voltage Law states that the total sum of electrical
potential differences (voltages) in any closed loop of a circuit is
zero. This means that the energy supplied by sources (like
batteries) is equal to the energy used by components (like
resistors). For example, in a circuit with a battery providing 10V
and two resistors of 4V and 6V, the equation would be 10V - 4V -
6V = 0, demonstrating that the voltages balance out.
Compare and contrast Kirchhoff's Current
Law with Kirchhoff's Voltage Law. How do
they each contribute to circuit analysis?

Suggested answer:
Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) are
both fundamental principles in circuit analysis. KCL focuses on the
conservation of charge at nodes, stating that the total current into
a node equals the total current out. In contrast, KVL addresses the
conservation of energy, stating that the sum of the electrical
potential differences (voltages) around any closed loop in a circuit
must equal zero. Together, KCL and KVL provide a comprehensive
framework for analyzing circuits, allowing for the calculation of
Resistor series connection
• Definition: A series connection of resistors in an electronic
circuit involves linking them end to end, creating a single path
for current to flow.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

• Equivalent resistance: The total resistance in a series circuit

is the sum of the individual resistances. N
Req  R1  R2   R N  Rn
n 1
Resistor Parallel Connection
1 Definition:
Two or more elements are in parallel if they are connected to the same
two nodes and consequently have the same voltage across them.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

2 Equivalent resistance:
The equivalent resistance of a circuit with N resistors in parallel is:
1 1 1 1 R1 R2
    Req 
Req R1 R2 RN R1  R2
Describe the difference in how voltage is
distributed across components in a series
circuit compared to a parallel circuit.

Suggested answer:
In a series circuit, the voltage is divided among the components,
with the total voltage being the sum of the voltages across each
individual component (Vtotal = V1 + V2 + V3 + ...). In contrast, in
a parallel circuit, the voltage across each component remains the
same and equal to the total voltage (Vtotal = V1 = V2 = V3 = ...),
regardless of the number of branches. This fundamental difference
influences how each circuit operates under varying conditions.
How does the behavior of current differ
between series and parallel circuits, and
what implications does this have for circuit
design?

Suggested answer:
In a series circuit, the same current flows through all components
(Itotal = I1 = I2 = I3 = ...), which means if one component fails,
the entire circuit is interrupted. In parallel circuits, the total current
is the sum of the currents through each branch (Itotal = I1 + I2 +
I3 + ...), allowing for components to operate independently. This
independence in parallel circuits is crucial for reliability in circuit
design, as failure of one component does not affect the others.
Can you explain how the total resistance in a
series circuit is determined and provide an
example using specific resistances?

Suggested answer:
In a series circuit, the total resistance is calculated by summing
the individual resistances of all components. For example, if we
have three resistors with resistances of 2 ohms, 3 ohms, and 5
ohms, the total resistance would be R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 = 2 +
3 + 5 = 10 ohms.
What happens if one component fails in a parallel circuit?
• In a parallel circuit, if one component fails (e.g., a resistor or a light bulb
burns out), the rest of the components will continue to operate normally.
This is because each component in a parallel circuit has its own separate
path to the power source.

• Current: The total current in the circuit will decrease because the failed
component no longer draws current. However, the current through the
remaining components stays the same.

• Voltage: The voltage across the remaining components remains

unchanged, as each component in a parallel circuit experiences the same
voltage as the power source.

• This characteristic of parallel circuits makes them more reliable for

applications where it’s important for the entire system to keep working
even if one part fails, such as in household electrical wiring.
PRINCIPLES OF VOLTAGE DIVISION
• The source voltage, v is divided among the resistors in direct proportion to their resistance, the
larger the resistance, the larger the voltage drop
• Figure below is known as a voltage divider circuit

R1
v1  v
R1  R2
R2
v2  v
R1  R2
Explain how the voltage division principle
applies to a series circuit with resistors of
different values.

Suggested answer:
The voltage division principle states that in a series circuit, the
total voltage across the circuit is divided among the resistors in
direct proportion to their resistances. This means that if a circuit
consists of multiple resistors connected in series and has a source
voltage applied, each resistor will have a voltage drop that
corresponds to its resistance relative to the total resistance of the
circuit. The formula for the voltage drop (V_R) across a resistor (R)
in a series circuit can be given as V_R = (R / R_total) * V_source,
where R_total is the sum of all resistances in the series.
Describe the significance of the voltage
divider circuit in electronic applications.

Suggested answer:
The voltage divider circuit is significant in electronic applications
because it allows designers to obtain a specific voltage output that
is lower than the input voltage from a power source. This is
particularly useful when interfacing components that require
different voltage levels, such as sensors, microcontrollers, and
other electronic devices. By appropriately selecting the resistor
values in the divider, it is possible to create a stable and required
voltage for specific applications without the need for complex
power regulation circuitry.
PRINCIPLES OF CURRENT
DIVISION
• The total current, i is shared by the resistors in inverse proportion to their resistance
• Figure below is known as current divider circuit

R2i
i1 
R1  R2
R1i
i2 
R1  R2
Can you explain how the total current is
divided among resistors in a current divider
circuit?

Suggested answer:
In a current divider circuit, the total current is distributed among
the resistors inversely proportional to their resistances. This means
that a resistor with a lower resistance receives a larger portion of
the total current, while a resistor with a higher resistance receives
a smaller portion of the total current. The current divider rule can
be used to calculate the current through each resistor based on
their resistance values.
What role does resistance play in
determining the current flowing through
each resistor in a current divider?

Suggested answer:
Resistance plays a crucial role in a current divider, as it dictates
how the total current is allocated among the resistors. Lower
resistance leads to greater current flow because the resistor
presents less opposition to the flow of charge, thereby allowing
more current to pass through compared to a higher resistance,
which restricts current flow.