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Understanding Basic Electricity Principles
Sep 23, 2024
How Electricity Works
Introduction
Speaker: Paul from TheEngineeringMindset.com
Topic: Essential knowledge of electricity for engineers.
Basic Structure of Atoms
Everything is made of atoms, including materials used in engineering.
Components of an Atom:
Nucleus:
Contains neutrons (no charge) and protons (positively charged).
Neutrons and protons are heavier than electrons.
Electrons:
Negatively charged, orbit the nucleus in orbital shells (like satellites).
Electrons travel at nearly the speed of light.
The outermost shell is called the
valence shell
.
Conductors and Insulators
Conductors:
Atoms with loosely bound electrons that can flow (e.g., metals).
Insulators:
Atoms that do not allow electron flow (e.g., glass, rubber).
Insulators surround conductors to keep users safe from electric shock.
Electric Current and Circuits
Electric Current:
Flow of electrons in a closed circuit.
Closed Circuit:
Electrons flow between positive and negative terminals of a power source.
Open Circuit:
Electrons cannot flow.
Voltage and Current
Voltage:
The pushing force of electrons within a circuit (analogous to water pressure).
Measured in volts (1 volt = 1 joule per coulomb).
Current:
Measured in Amps (1 Amp = 1 coulomb per second).
A coulomb consists of approximately 6.242 x 10^18 electrons.
Resistance
Resistance:
Restriction to the flow of electrons, varies by material and temperature.
Measured using resistors in circuits to control current flow.
Electromagnetic Fields
Wrapping a wire in a coil intensifies magnetic fields, affecting electron movement.
Electromagnets:
Created by wrapping coils around an iron core.
Induction:
A magnetic field passing across a coil induces a voltage, causing current to flow.
Transformers
Transformer:
Uses coils to induce voltage, allowing for voltage increase or decrease.
Capacitors
Capacitors:
Store and release electric charge, providing temporary power.
Separate positive and negative charges across two plates.
Types of Current
Alternating Current (AC):
Current flows back and forth, common in household electricity.
Direct Current (DC):
Current flows in one direction, typical from batteries and handheld devices.
Conversion between AC and DC is necessary for the use of solar panels and charging devices.
Conclusion
Importance of understanding electricity for engineering.
Encouragement to subscribe and explore further resources.
Q&A invitation in the comments.
📄
Full transcript