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PCC EET 111
Electrical Circuits 1
161
Electrical Engineering
Undergraduate 1
09/25/2010

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Term
Cathode-ray tube (CRT)
(Ch1)
Definition
A glass enclosure with a relatively flat face (screen) and a vacuum inside that will display the light generated from the bombardment of the screen by electrons.
Term
CGS System
(C1)
Definition
The system of units emplying the Centimeter (cm), Gram (g), and Second (s)as its fundamental units of measure.
Term
Difference engine
(Ch1)
Definition
One of the first mechanical calculators.
Term
Edison effect
(Ch1)
Definition
Establishing a flow of charge between two elements in an evacuated tube.
Term
Electromagnetism
(Ch1)
Definition
The relationship between magnetic and electrical effects.
Term
Engineering notation
(Ch1)
Definition
A method of notation that specifies that all powers of ten used to define a number be multiples of 3 with a mantissa greater than or equal to 1 but less than 1000.
Term
ENIAC
(Ch1)
Definition
The first totally electronic computer.
Term
Fixed-point notation
(Ch1)
Definition
Notation using a decimal point in a particular location to define the magnitude of a number.
Term
Fleming's valve
(Ch1)
Definition
The first of the electronic devices, the diode.
Term
Floating-point notation
(Ch1)
Definition
Notation that allows the magnitude of a number to define where the decimal point should be placed.
Term
Integrated circuit (IC)
(Ch1)
Definition
A subminiature structure contaning a vast number of electronic devices designed to perform a particular set of functions.
Term
Joule (J)
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measurement of energy in the SI or MKS system. Equal to 0.7378 fout-pound in the English system and 10^7 ergs in the CGS system.
Term
Kelvin (K)
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measurement for temperature in the SI system. Equal to 273. 15 + °C in the MKS and CGS systems.
Term
Kilogram (kg)
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measure for mass in the SI and MKS systems. Equal to 1000 grams in the CGS system.
Term
Language
(Ch1)
Definition
A communication link between user and computer to define the operations to be performed and the results to be displayed or printed.
Term
Leyden jar
(Ch1)
Definition
One of the first charge-storage devices.
Term
Menu
(Ch1)
Definition
A computer-generated list of choices for the user to determine the next operation to be performed.
Term
Meter (m)
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measure for length in the SI and MKS systems. Equal to 1.094 yards in the English system and 100 centimeters in the CGS system.
Term
MKS system
(Ch1)
Definition
Thye system of units employing the Meter (m), Kilogram (kg), and Second (s) as its fundamental units of measure.
Term
Nanotechnology
(Ch1)
Definition
The production of integrated circuits in which the nanometer is the typical unit of measurement.
Term
Newton (N)
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measurement for force in the SI and MKS systems. Equal to 100,000 dynes in the CGS system.
Term
Pound (lb)
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measurement for force in the English system. Equal to 4.45 newtons in the SI or MKS system.
Term
Program
(Ch1)
Definition
A sequential list of commands, instructions, and so on, to perform a specified task using a computer.
Term
Scientific notation
(Ch1)
Definition
A method for describing very large and very small numbers through the use of powers of ten, which requires that the multiplier be a number between 1 and 10.
Term
Second (s)
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measurement for time in the SI, MKS, Enlgish, and CGS systems.
Term
SI system
(Ch1)
Definition
The system of ujits adopted by the IEEE in 1965 and the USASI in 1967 as the International System of Units (Systeme International d'Unites).
Term
Slug
(Ch1)
Definition
A unit of measure for mass in the English system. Equal to 14.6 kilograms in the SI or MKS system.
Term
Software package
(Ch1)
Definition
A computer porgram designed to perform specific analysis and design operations or generate results in a particular format.
Term
Static electricity
(Ch1)
Definition
Stationary charge in a state of equilibrium.
Term
Transistor
(Ch1)
Definition
The first semiconductor amplifier.
Term
Voltaic cell
(Ch1)
Definition
A storage device that converts chemical to electrical energy.
Term
Ammeter
(Ch2)
Definition
An instrument designed to read the current through elements in series with the meter.
Term
Ampere (A)
(Ch1)
Definition
Teh SI unit of measurement applied to the flow of charge through a conductor.
Term
Ampere-hour (Ah) rating
(Ch2)
Definition
The rating applied to a source of energy that will reveal how long a particular level of current can be drawn from that source.
Term
Cell
(Ch2)
Definition
A fundamental source of electrical energy developed through the conversion of chemical or solar energy.
Term
Conductors
(Ch2)
Definition
Materials that permit a generous flow of electrons with very little voltage applied.
Term
Copper
(Ch2)
Definition
A material possessing physical properties that make it particularly useful as a conductor of electricity.
Term
Coulomb (C)
(Ch2)
Definition
The fundamental SI unit of measure for charge. It is equal to the charge carried by the 6.242 x 10^18 electrons.
Term
Coulomb's Law
(Ch2)
Definition
An equation defining the force of attraction or repulsion between two charges.
Term
Current
(Ch2)
Definition
The flow of charge resulting from the application of a difference in potential between two points in an electrical system.
Term
dc current source
(Ch2)
Definition
A source that will provide a fixed current level even though the load to which it is applied may cause its terminal voltage to change.
Term
dc generator
(Ch2)
Definition
A source of dc voltage available through the turning of the shaft of the device by some external means.
Term
Direct currnet (dc)
(Ch2)
Definition
Current having a single direction (unidirectional) and a fixed magnitude over time.
Term
Electrolysis
(Ch2)
Definition
The process of passing a current through an electrolyte to break it down into its fundamental componenets.
Term
Electrolytes
(Ch2)
Definition
The contact element and the source of ions between the electrodes of the battery.
Term
Electron
(Ch2)
Definition
The particle with negative polarity that orbits the nucleus of an atom.
Term
Free electron
(Ch2)
Definition
An electron unassociated with any particular atom, relatively free to move through a crystal lattice structure under the influence of external forces.
Term
Fuel cell
(Ch2)
Definition
A nonpolluting source of energy that can establish current through a load by simply applying the correct levels of hydrogen and oxygen.
Term
Insulators
(Ch2)
Definition
Materials in which a very high voltage must be applied to produce any measurable current flow.
Term
Neutron
(Ch2)
Definition
The particle having no electrical charge found in the nucleus of the atom.
Term
Nucleus
(Ch2)
Definition
The structural center of an atom that contains both protons and neutrons.
Term
Positive ion
(Ch2)
Definition
An atom having a net positive charge due to the loss of one of its negatively charged electrons.
Term
Potential difference
(Ch2)
Definition
The algebraic difference in potential (or voltage) between two points in an electrical system.
Term
Potential energy
(Ch2)
Definition
The energy that a mass possesses by virtue of its position.
Term
Primary cell
(Ch2)
Definition
Sources of voltage that cannot be recharged.
Term
Proton
(Ch2)
Definition
The particle of positive polarity found in the nucleus of an atom.
Term
Rectification
(Ch2)
Definition
The process by which an ac signal is converted to one that has an average dc level.
Term
Secondary cell
(Ch2)
Definition
Sources of voltage that can be recharged
Term
Semiconductor
(Ch2)
Definition
A material having a conductance value between that of an insulator and that of a conductor. Of significant importance in the manufacture of electronic devices.
Term
Solar cell
(Ch2)
Definition
Sources of voltage available through the conversion of light energy (photons) into electrical energy.
Term
Specific gravity
(Ch2)
Definition
The ratio of the weight of a given volume of a substance to the weight of an equal volume of water at 4°C.
Term
Volt (V)
(Ch2)
Definition
The unit of measurement applied to the difference in potential between two points. If 1 joule of energy is required to move 1 coulomb of charge between two points, the difference in potential is said to be 1 volt.
Term
Voltage
(Ch2)
Definition
The term applied to the difference in potential between two points as established by a separation of opposite charges.
Term
Voltmeter
(Ch2)
Definition
An instrument designed to read the voltage across an element or between any two points in a network.
Term
Absolute zero
(Ch3)
Definition
The temperature at which all molecular motion ceases; -273.15°C
Term
Circular mil (CM)
(Ch3)
Definition
The cross-sectional area of a wire having a diameter of 1 mil.
Term
Color coding
(Ch3)
Definition
A technique using bands of color to indicate the resistance levels and tolerance of resistors.
Term
Conductance (G)
(Ch3)
Definition
An indication of the relative ease with which current can be established in a material. It is measured in siemens (S).
Term
Cooper effect
(Ch3)
Definition
The "pairing" of electrons as they travel through a medium.
Term
Ductility
(Ch3)
Definition
The property of a material that allows it to be drawn into long, thin wires.
Term
Inferred absolute temperature
(Ch3)
Definition
The temperature through which a straight-line approximation for the actual resistance-versus-temperature curve intersects the temperature axis.
Term
Malleability
(Ch3)
Definition
The property of a material that allows it to be worked into many different shapes.
Term
Memristor
(Ch3)
Definition
Resistor whose resistance is a function of the current through it; capable of remembering and retaining its last resistance value.
Term
Negative temperature coefficient of resistance
(Ch3)
Definition
The value revealing that the resistance of a material will decrease with an increase in temperature.
Term
Ohm (Ω)
(Ch3)
Definition
The unit of measurement applied to resistance.
Term
Ohmmeter
(Ch3)
Definition
An instrument for measuring resistance levels.
Term
Photoconductive cell
(Ch3)
Definition
A two-terminal semiconductor device whose terminal resistance is determined by the intensity of the incident light on its exposed surface.
Term
Positive temperature coefficient of resistance
(Ch3)
Definition
The value revealing that the resistance of a material will increase with an increase in temperature.
Term
Potentiometer
(Ch3)
Definition
A three-terminal device through which potential levels can be varied in a linear or nonlinear manner.
Term
PPM/°C
(Ch3)
Definition
Temperature sensitivity of a resistor in parts per million per degree Celsius.
Term
Resistance
(Ch3)
Definition
A measure of the opposition to the flow of charge through a material.
Term
Rheostat
(Ch3)
Definition
An element whose terminal resistance can be varied in a linear or nonlinear manner.
Term
Resistivity (ρ)
(Ch3)
Definition
A constant of proportionality between the resistance of a material and its physical dimensions.
Term
Sheet resistance
(Ch3)
Definition
Defined by ρ/d for thin-film and integrated circuit design.
Term
Superconductor
(Ch3)
Definition
Conductors of electric charge that have for all practical purposes zero ohms.
Term
Thermistor
(Ch3)
Definition
A two-terminal semiconductor device whose resistance is temperature sensitive.
Term
Varistor
(Ch3)
Definition
A voltage-dependent, nonlinear resistor used to suppress high-voltage transients.
Term
Circuit breaker
(Ch4)
Definition
A two-terminal device designed to ensure that current levels do not exceed safe levels. If "triped", it can be reset with a switch or a reset button.
Term
Diode
(Ch4)
Definition
A semiconductor device whose behavior is much like that of a simple switch; that is, it will pass current ideally in only one direction when operating within specified limits.
Term
Efficiency (ƞ)
(Ch4)
Definition
A ratio of output to inut power that provides immediate information about the energy-converting characteristics of system.
Term
Energy (W)
(Ch4)
Definition
A quantity whose change in state is determined by the product of the rate of conversion (P) and the period involved (t). It is measured in joules (J) or wattseconds (Ws).
Term
Fuse
(Ch4)
Definition
A two-terminal device whose sole purpose is to ensure that current levels in a circuit do not exceed safe levels.
Term
Horsepower (hp)
(Ch4)
Definition
Equivalent to 746 watts in the electrical system.
Term
Kilowatthour meter
(Ch4)
Definition
An instrument for measuring kilowatthours of energy supplied to a residential or commercial user of electricity.
Term
Ohm's law
(Ch4)
Definition
An equation that establishes a relationship among the current, voltage, and resistance of an electrical system.
Term
Power
(Ch4)
Definition
An indication of how much work can be done in a specified amount of time; a rate of doing work. It is measured in joules/second (J/s) or watts (W).
Term
Circuit
(Ch5)
Definition
A combination of a number of elements joined at terminal points providing at least one closed path through which charge can flow.
Term
Closed loop
(Ch5)
Definition
Any continuous connection of branches that allows tracing of a path that leaves a point in one direction and returns to that same point from another direction without leaving the circuit.
Term
Internal resistance
(Ch5)
Definition
The inherent resistance found internal to any source of energy.
Term
Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL)
(Ch5)
Definition
The algebraic sum of the potential rises and drops around a closed loop (or path) is zero.
Term
Protoboard (breadboard)
(Ch5)
Definition
A flat board with a set pattern of conductively connected holes designed to accept 24-gage wire and components with leads of about the same diameter.
Term
Series Circuit
(Ch5)
Definition
A circuit configuration in which the elements have only one point in common and each terminal is not connected to a third, current-carrying element.
Term
Two-terminal device
(Ch5)
Definition
Any element or componenet with two external terminals for connection to a network configuration.
Term
Voltage divider rule (VDR)
(Ch5)
Definition
A method by which a voltage in a series circuit can be determined without first calculating the current in the circuit.
Term
Voltage regulation (VR)
(Ch5)
Definition
A value, given as a percent, that provides an indication of the change in termanil voltage of a supply with a change in load demand.
Term
Current divider rule (CDR)
(Ch6)
Definition
A method by which the current through parallel elements can be determined without first finding the voltage across those parallel elements.
Term
Kirshhoff's Current Law (KCL)
(Ch6)
Definition
The algebraic sum of the currents entering and leaving a node is zero.
Term
Node
(Ch6)
Definition
A junction of two or more branches
Term
Ohm/volt (Ω/V) rating
(Ch6)
Definition
A rating used to determine both the current sensitivity of the movement and the internal resistance of the meter.
Term
Open circuit
(Ch6)
Definition
The absence of a direct connection between two points in a network.
Term
Parallel Circuit
(Ch6)
Definition
A circuit configuration in which the elements have two points in common.
Term
Short circuit
(Ch6)
Definition
A direct connection of low resistive value that can significantly alter the behavior of an element or system.
Term
Complex configuration
(Ch7)
Definition
A network in which none of the elements are in series of parallel.
Term
Iron-vane
(Ch7)
Definition
A movement operating on the principle that there is repulsion between like magnetic poles. The two poles are vanes inside of a fixed coil. One vane is fixed and the other movable with an attached pointer. The higher the applied current, the greater is the deflection of the movable vane and the greater is the deflection of the pointer.
Term
Ladder network
(Ch7)
Definition
A network that consists of a cascaded set of series-parallel combinations and has the appearance of a ladder.
Term
Megohmmeter
(Ch7)
Definition
An instrument for measuring very high resistance levels, such as in the megohm range.
Term
Series ohmmeter
(Ch7)
Definition
A resistance-measuring instrument in which the movement is placed in series with the unknown resistance.
Term
Series-parallel network
(Ch7)
Definition
A network consisting of a combination of both series and parallel branches.
Term
Transistor
(Ch7)
Definition
A three-terminal semiconductor electronic device that can be used for amplification and switching purposes.
Term
Voltage divider supply
(Ch7)
Definition
A series network that can provide a range of voltage levels for an application.
Term
Branch-current method
(Ch8)
Definition
A technique for determining the branch currents of a multiloop network.
Term
Bridge network
(Ch8)
Definition
A network configuration typically having a diamond appearance in which no two elements are in series or parallel.
Term
Current sources
(Ch8)
Definition
Sources that supply a fixed current to a network and have a terminal voltage dependent on the network to which they are applied.
Term
Delta (Δ), pi (π) configuration
(Ch8)
Definition
A network structure that consists of three branches and has the appearance of the Greek letter Delta (Δ) or pi (π).
Term
Determinants method
(Ch8)
Definition
A mathematical technique for finding the unknown variables of two or more simultaneious linear equations.
Term
Mesh analysis
(Ch8)
Definition
A technique for determining the mesh (loop) currents of a network that results in a reduced set of equations compared to the branch-current method.
Term
Mesh (loop) current
(Ch8)
Definition
A labeled current assigned to each distinct closed loop of a network that can, individually or in combination with other mesh currents, define all of the branch currents of a network.
Term
Nodal analysis
(Ch8)
Definition
A technique for determining the nodal voltages of a network.
Term
Node
(Ch8)
Definition
A junction of two or more branches in a network.
Term
Supermesh current
(Ch8)
Definition
A current defined in a network with ideal current sources that permits the use of mesh anaylsis.
Term
Supernode
(Ch8)
Definition
A node defined in a network with ideal voltage soures that permits the use of nodal analysis.
Term
Wye (Y), tee (t) configuration
(Ch8)
Definition
A network structure that consists of three brances and has the appearance of the caital letter Y or T
Term
Maximum power transfer theorem
(Ch9)
Definition
A theorem used to determine the load resistance necessary to ensure maximum power transfer to the load.
Term
Millman's theorem
(Ch9)
Definition
A method using source conversions that will permit the determination of unknown variables in a multiloop network.
Term
Norton's theorem
(Ch9)
Definition
A theorem that permits the reduction of any two-terminal linear dc network to one having a single current source and parallel resistor.
Term
Reciprocty theorem
(Ch9)
Definition
A theorem that states that for single-source networks, the current in any branch of a network due to a single voltage source in the network will equal the current through the branch in which the source was originally located if the source is placed in the branch in which the current was originally measured.
Term
Substitution theorem
(Ch9)
Definition
A theorem that states that if the voltage across and current through any branch of a dc bilateral network are known, the branch can be replaced by any combination of elements that will maintain the same voltage across and current through the chosen branch.
Term
Superposition theorem
(Ch9)
Definition
A network theorem that permits considering the effects of each source independently. The resulting current and/or voltage is the algebraic sum of the currents and/or voltages developed by each source independently.
Term
Thevenin's theorem
(Ch9)
Definition
A theorem that permits the reduction of any two-terminal, linear dc network to one having a single voltage source and series resistor.
Term
Average current
(Ch10)
Definition
The current defined by a linear (straight line) change in voltage across a capacitor for a specific period of time.
Term
Breakdown voltage
(Ch10)
Definition
Another term for dieletric strenght, listed below.
Term
Capacitor
(Ch10)
Definition
A fundamental electrical element having two conducting surfaces separated by an insulating material and having the capacity to store charge on its plates.
Term
Capacitance
(Ch10)
Definition
A measure of a capacitor's ability to store charge; measured in farads (F).
Term
Coulomb's law
(Ch10)
Definition
An equation relating the force beteween two like or unlike charges.
Term
Derivative
(Ch10)
Definition
The instantaneous change in a quantity at a particular instant in time.
Term
Dielectric
(Ch10)
Definition
The insulating material between the plates of a capacitor that can have a pronounced effect on the charge stored on the plates of a capacitor.
Term
Dieletric constant
(Ch10)
Definition
Another term for relative permittivity, listed below.
Term
Dielectric strength
(Ch10)
Definition
An indication of the voltage required for unit length to establish conduction in a dielectric.
Term
Electric field strength
(Ch10)
Definition
The force acting on a unit positive charge in the region of interest.
Term
Electric flux lines
(Ch10)
Definition
Lines drawn to indicate the strength and direction of an electric field in a particular region.
Term
Fringing
(Ch10)
Definition
An effect established by flux lines that do not pass directly from one conducting surface to another.
Term
Initial value
(Ch10)
Definition
The steady-state voltage across a capacitor before a transient period begins.
Term
Leakage current
(Ch10)
Definition
The current that results in the total discharge of a capacitor if the capacitor is disconnected from the charging network for a sufficient length of time.
Term
Maximum working voltage
(Ch10)
Definition
That voltage level at which a capacitor can perform its function without concern about breakdown or change in characteristics.
Term
Permittivity
(Ch10)
Definition
A measure of how well a dielectric permits the establishment of flux lines within the dielectric.
Term
Relative permittivity
(Ch10)
Definition
A permittivity of a material compared to that of air.
Term
Steady-state region
(Ch10)
Definition
A period of time defined by the fact that the voltage across a capacitor has reached a level that, for all practical purposes, remains constant.
Term
Stray capacitance
(Ch10)
Definition
Capacitances that exist not through design but simpy because two conducting surfaces are relatively close to each other.
Term
Temperature coefficient
(Ch10)
Definition
An indication of how much the capacitance value of a capacitor will change with change in temperature.
Term
Time constant
(Ch10)
Definition
A period of time defined by the parameters of the network that defines how long the transient behavior of the voltage or current of a capacitor will last.
Term
Transient period
(Ch10)
Definition
That period of time where the voltage across a capacitor or the current of a capacitor will change in value at a rate determined by the time constant of the network.
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