ELECTRICAL FUNDAMENTALS I

Content

Weeks	Topics
1. Weeks	Electron Theory: Structure and distribution of electrical charges within: atoms, molecules, ions, compounds; Molecular structure of conductors, semiconductors and insulators. Static Electricity and Conduction: Static electricity and distribution of electrostatic charges; Electrostatic laws of attraction and repulsion; Units of charge, Coulomb's Law; Conduction of electricity in solids, liquids, gases and a vacuum.
2. Weeks	Electrical Terminology: The following terms, their units and factors affecting them: potential difference, electromotive force, voltage, current, resistance, conductance, charge, conventional current flow, electron flow. Generation of Electricity: Production of electricity by the following methods: light, heat, friction, pressure, chemical action, magnetism and motion.
3. Weeks	DC Sources of Electricity: Construction and basic chemical action of: primary cells, secondary cells, lead acid cells, nickel cadmium cells, other alkaline cells; Cells connected in series and parallel; Internal resistance and its effect on a battery; Construction, materials and operation of thermocouples; Operation of photo-cells.
4. Weeks	DC Circuits: Ohms Law, Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws; Calculations using these laws to find resistance, voltage and current; Significance of the internal resistance of a supply.
5. Weeks	DC Circuits: Calculations using the above laws to find resistance, voltage and current; Significance of the internal resistance of a supply
6. Weeks	DC Circuits: Calculations using the above laws to find resistance, voltage and current; Significance of the internal resistance of a supply.
7. Weeks	Some Useful Circuit Analysis Techniques: Single Loop Circuit; Single Node Pair Circuit.
8. Weeks	Some Useful Circuit Analysis Techniques: Nodal Analysis; Mesh Analysis.
9. Weeks	Some Useful Circuit Analysis Techniques: Source Transformation; Superposition Theorem; Maximum Power Transfer.
10. Weeks	Some Useful Circuit Analysis Techniques: Thevenin and Norton Theorems.
11. Weeks	Resistance/Resistor: Resistance and affecting factors; Specific resistance; Resistor color code, values and tolerances, preferred values, wattage ratings; Resistors in series and parallel; Calculation of total resistance using series, parallel and series parallel combinations; Operation and use of potentiometers and rheostats.
12. Weeks	Resistance/Resistor: Resistance and affecting factors; Specific resistance; Resistor color code, values and tolerances, preferred values, wattage ratings; Resistors in series and parallel; Calculation of total resistance using series, parallel and series parallel combinations; Operation and use of potentiometers and rheostats.
13. Weeks	Resistance/Resistor: Operation of Wheatstone Bridge; Positive and negative temperature coefficient conductance; Fixed resistors, stability, tolerance and limitations, methods of construction; Variable resistors, thermistors, voltage dependent resistors; Construction of potentiometers and rheostats; Construction of Wheatstone Bridge. Capacitor: Operation and function of a capacitor. Inductor: Operation and function of an inductor.
14. Weeks	Power: Power, work and energy; Dissipation of power by a resistor; Power formula; Calculations involving power, work and energy.