4. Electronic components
Resistors
A resistor is a small component that limits or controls the flow of electrical current in a circuit.
It is used to protect sensitive parts, adjust signal levels, or divide voltages.
Resistors have a specific value measured in ohms (Ω) that determines how much resistance they offer to the current.
Symbols
Here are some symbols for different types of resistors. For each component there are often various symbols that can be used. Resistors are on where you will often see either the block symbol, or squiggly line symbol. Both are the same.
Resistor water analogy
“A resistor is a small component that limits or controls the flow of electrical current in a circuit.“
A resistor in the water analogy will restrict the flow of water in the circuit. The higher the resistance, the more it will restrict the flow.
Note that the flow is restricted before and after the resistor when the resistance is changed. This is the similar to how water would behave. Water before the resistor cannot flow quickly if the water after it can not. The flow will be the same across the whole circuit.
In this circuit, the change in resistance restricts the flow of water which in turn reduces the brightness of the light bulb.
Capacitors
A capacitor is an electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy in a circuit.
Capacitors are used to smooth out voltage fluctuations, filter signals, and store energy for short periods.
They come in different sizes and capacitance values, measured in farads (F).
Symbols
Here are some symbols for different types of resistors. For each component there are often various symbols that can be used. Resistors are on where you will often see either the block symbol, or squiggly line symbol. Both are the same.
Capacitor water analogy
“A resistor is a small component that limits or controls the flow of electrical current in a circuit.“
A resistor in the water analogy will restrict the flow of water in the circuit. The higher the resistance, the more it will restrict the flow.
Note that the flow is restricted before and after the resistor when the resistance is changed. This is the similar to how water would behave. Water before the resistor cannot flow quickly if the water after it can not. The flow will be the same across the whole circuit.
Potentiometers
A potentiometer is a type of adjustable resistor used to control the level of voltage or current in a circuit.
Think of it like a crossfader. If the knob is turned fully left, the signal on the left pin will pass. If its turned fully right, the signal on the right will pass. If set in the middle, a mix of half the left and half the right will pass.
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Diodes
A diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in only one direction, acting like a one-way valve for electricity.
Diodes are commonly used in power supplies, signal processing, and rectifiers, where they convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).
They come in different types, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which produce light, and are marked by their characteristic "positive" and "negative" sides.
Types of diodes
A diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in only one direction, acting like a one-way valve for electricity.
Diodes are commonly used in power supplies, signal processing, and rectifiers, where they convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).
They come in different types, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which produce light, and are marked by their characteristic "positive" and "negative" sides.
Diode water analogy
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Transistors
A transistor is an electronic component that acts as a switch or amplifier in a circuit.
It can control the flow of electrical current between two terminals by using a smaller current to control a larger one.
Transistors are used to turn devices on and off, amplify signals, or regulate power.
They come in different types, like NPN and PNP, and are essential for building everything from amplifiers to digital logic circuits in computers.
Symbols
A transistor is an electronic component that acts as a switch or amplifier in a circuit.
It can control the flow of electrical current between two terminals by using a smaller current to control a larger one.
Transistors are used to turn devices on and off, amplify signals, or regulate power.
They come in different types, like NPN and PNP, and are essential for building everything from amplifiers to digital logic circuits in computers.
Transistor water analogy
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ICs (integrated circuits)
An integrated circuit (IC) is a small chip that contains many electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, all built onto a single piece of semiconductor material.
ICs are essentially premade electrical circuits packaged into a small formfactor
ICs are used to perform complex tasks like processing signals, storing data, or controlling functions in devices. They make electronics smaller, more reliable, and energy-efficient by combining multiple components into one compact package.