Engineering and fabrication

components?

In simple English, please explain what these components do. Make it like you are teaching a beginner. Put web sources if possible. 1. Electricity 2. Direct Current Electricity 3. Alternating Current Electricity 4. Conductor 5. Isolator 6. Switch 7. Motor 8. Reed Relay 9. Diodes 10. LED 11. Integrated Circuit (IC) 12. Resistor 13. Potentiometer 14. variable resistor 15. Photoresistor (LDR: Light Dependent Resistor) 16. Capacitor 17. Electrolytic Capacitor 18. Variable Capacitor 19. Transistor. thx for help! Best answer gets 10 extra points as you may know.

Public Comments

1. What a shopping list!

   1. Electricity- the flow of electric charge

   2. Direct Current Electricity- a voltage source that does not vary but stays a constant value. This is the form used in electronic devices.

   3. Alternating Current Electricity- a changing electrical field, usually in a sine wave, used in the transfer of electrical energy from the source (generator) to the end user (your home).

   4. Conductor- any material that allows electrical flow.

   5. Isolator- (insulator) inhibits electrical flow.

   6. Switch- a device that can stop or allow the flow of current.

   7. Motor- an electrical device that uses AC or DC energy and converts it into rotary energy.

   8. Reed Relay- a switch that is turned on and off by the presence of a magnet.

   9. Diodes- semiconductor devices (also vacuum tubes) that conduct electrical current in one direction only from - to +.

   10. LED- a diode that emits light.

   11. Integrated Circuit (IC)- a collection of transistors and diodes that perform a function, i.e. logic, amplifier, multiplier, microprocessor, etc.

   12. Resistor- a device that regulates current by impeding current flow a specific amount.

   13. Potentiometer- a variable resistor, usually controlled by rotating a shaft.

   14. variable resistor- a resistor that can have its value changed by mechanical means, i.e. turning a shaft, a screwdriver adjustment, or moving a mechanical clamp.

   15. Photoresistor (LDR: Light Dependent Resistor)- a resistor whose value varies depending upon the amount of light hitting it.

   16. Capacitor- two conductors separated by an insulator. There are many types, including mica, paper electrolytic, tantalum, variable plate, etc.

   17. Electrolytic Capacitor-a large storage source of electrical charge made with paper, aluminum and an electrolyte.

   18. Variable Capacitor- a capacitor whose value can change by moving the plates mechanically to allow more or less coupling.

   19. Transistor- a semiconductor device that amplifies current.