A two-terminal electrical device that can store energy in the form of an electric charge
Constructed out of two metal plates, separated by an insulating material called dielectric
Resistors
One of the Big Three Passive Components
A passive electrical component with two terminals that are used for either limiting or regulating the flow of electric current in electrical circuits
Main purpose is to reduce the current flow and to lower the voltage in any particular portion of the circuit
Diode
A semiconductor device that essentially acts as a one-way switch for current
Allows current to flow easily in one direction, but severely restricts current from flowing in the opposite direction
Also known as rectifiers because they change alternating current (ac) into pulsating direct current (dc)
Anode
Electrode where oxidation reaction takes place, electrons are getting released into the external circuit
Cathode
Electrode where reduction reaction takes place, cathode gains electrons from the external circuit
Transistors
A type of semiconductor device that can be used to conduct and insulate electric current or voltage
There are three terminals: Base (used to activate the transistor), Collector (positive lead), Emitter (negative lead)
Inductors
One of the Big Three Passive Components
Mostly used to decrease or control the electric spikes by storing energy temporarily in an electromagnetic field, and then releasing it back into the circuit
Switches
An electrical device, usually electromechanical, used to control continuity between two points
Used to turn electric circuits ON and OFF and to switch electric circuits
Light Bulb
Electric lamp consisting of a transparent or translucent glass housing containing a wire filament (usually tungsten) that emits light when heated by electricity
Incandescent
Typically consists of a glass enclosure containing a tungsten filament
Incandescence is the emission of electromagnetic radiation (which includes visible light also) from a hot body as a result of its high temperature or glowing due to heat
Halogen
An incandescent lamp consisting of a tungsten filament sealed in a compact transparent envelope that is filled with a mixture of an inert gas and a small amount of a halogen, such as iodine or bromine
Fluorescent
Consists of a glass tube filled with a mixture of argon and mercury vapor
Metal electrodes at each end are coated with an alkaline earth oxide that gives off electrons easily
Produces light by the fluorescence of a phosphor coating
LED
Light-emitting diode
Widely used standard source of light in electrical equipment
When current passes through an LED, the electrons recombine with holes emitting light in the process
Battery
Batteries and similar devices accept, store, and release electricity on demand
A device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy
Cell
A single unit of device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy
Battery is a collection of cells that converts chemical energy into electrical energy
Wire
Used for establishing electrical conductivity between two devices of an electrical circuit
Transmits electrical power or signals from one point to another
Power Supply
An electrical device that supplies electric power to an electrical load
Main purpose is to convert electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to power the load
Thermistor
A resistance thermometer, or a resistor whose resistance is dependent on temperature
When an excessively large current flows, it generates heat by itself and becomes highly resistive. With this property, they are used as overcurrent protection devices.
Voltmeter
An instrument used for measuring electric potential difference between two points in an electric circuit
An instrument used to measure voltage
Ammeter
A device or instrument that can measure either direct or alternating electric current in amperes that flow in an electric circuit
Used to measure an electric current
Galvanometer
One of the instruments for measuring electrical current par excellence
Used on electrical circuits to know and measure the intensity and direction of electrical current
Transformer
A device that transfers electric energy from one alternating-current circuit to one or more other circuits
Used in electric circuits to change the voltage of electricity flowing in the circuit
Used to increase the voltage (called 'stepping up') or decrease the voltage ('stepping down') in AC circuits
Fuse
Fuses are both designed to interrupt the flow of electricity
Is likely plugged into the fuse box, through which the building's power is delivered
With electricity flowing, the fuse allows the power to pass across the filament and between the related circuits