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Direct Current Circuits Fundamentals
A.
Bhatia
Overview
Most students of electricity
begin their study with what is known as direct current (DC).
This is different than static
electricity, which typically collects on the surface of a non-conductor such as
a piece of plastic. It is also different than alternating current (AC)
electricity, which flows back-and-forth in a conductor.
In DC circuits, the
polarity of the voltage source and current does not change over time.
The
direction of the flow of current in a circuit is always taken to be the
direction in which a positive charge would move.
By convention, we
show DC current flow as originating at the positive terminal of the source,
traveling through the circuit and returning to the negative terminal. The main
source of
DC is from batteries,
photocells, fuel
cells, rectifiers and DC generators.
This 6-hr course provides the
basic fundamental concepts, laws and terminology as they relate to DC circuits.
This course will help readers gain an understanding of resistance, voltage, and
current in series and parallel direct current (DC) circuits.
The course
material is based entirely on Naval Education and Training Materials (NAVEDTRA
14173),
Electricity and Electronic Training Series;
Module-1 “Introduction to matter, energy and direct current” and covers
Chapter 3, “Direct Current”.
The text is arranged to let you
progress at your own pace, and concepts and terms are introduced as you need
them, with many detailed examples and illustrations. This course will be
extremely helpful to electrical engineers looking for a refresher course in
direct current, as well as engineers in other disciplines who would like to
expand their knowledge in fundamental electrical engineering concepts.
The
student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of thirty (30) questions at the
end of this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the
following specific knowledge and skills:
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State the equation for Ohm’s law and describe the effects on current caused by
changes in a circuit
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Identify the term "power", and state three formulas for computing power
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Compute circuit and component power in series, parallel, and combination
circuits
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Describe how voltage polarities are assigned to the voltage drops across
resistors when Kirchhoff’s voltage law is used
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Define open and short circuits and describe their effects on a circuit
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State the meaning of the term "source resistance" and describe its effect on a
circuit
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Describe in terms of circuit values the circuit condition needed for maximum
power transfer
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Solve for unknown quantities of resistance, current, and voltage in a parallel
circuit
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State the significance of the polarity assigned to a current when using
Kirchhoff’s current law
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State the meaning of the term "equivalent resistance"
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Compute resistance, current, voltage, and power in voltage dividers
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Recognize the safety precautions associated with the hazard of electrical
shock
Course
Click on the following
PDF attachment and review the document prior to taking
a quiz for credit.
Direct Current (650 KB)
Having Trouble Downloading the PDF File?
Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As..."
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desktop and return to this page to take the quiz.
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Click on the link below to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.
To obtain PDH credits for this course, you will need to take a quiz for
credit. Click on the link below.
(To take the quiz,
your web browser must be set to accept cookies. See how to
check your cookie settings.)
 
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