Direct Current Circuits Fundamentals
In Direct Current Circuits Fundamentals , you'll learn ...
- How to calculate current, voltage and resistance in a DC circuit using Ohm's Law
- How to perform graphical analysis of DC circuits
- Methods for analyzing series, parallel and combination circuits
- The effects of open and short conditions in the various types of DC circuits
Overview
Direct current (DC) is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. It is 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-hour course provides fundamental concepts and terminology as they relate to DC circuits. The course will help you gain an understanding of resistance, voltage, and current in series and parallel direct current (DC) circuits.
This course will be 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.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the relationship among current, voltage, and resistance defined by Ohm’s law.
- Calculate electrical power using the engineering definition of power.
- Determine circuit and component power in series, parallel, and combination circuits.
- Explain how voltage polarities are assigned to resistor voltage drops when Kirchhoff’s voltage law is applied.
- Distinguish open circuits from short circuits and describe their effects on a circuit.
- Explain the meaning of source resistance and its effect on a circuit.
- Describe the circuit conditions required for maximum power transfer in terms of circuit values.
- Calculate unknown resistance, current, and voltage quantities in a parallel circuit.
- Explain the significance of the polarity assigned to current when applying Kirchhoff’s current law.
- Define the term equivalent resistance.
Certificate of Completion
You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 30 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.
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