Electronics

Electronic devices are used all around us in our everyday lives---- CD players, calculators, washing machines, mobile phones etc Electronics is about sending small amounts of current around tiny circuits in order to control devices

In these circuits there are different components, which control what the circuit is to do

Switches

A switch is a device for completing or breaking a circuit When the switch is closed the current will flow When a switch is open the circuit is broken and no current will flow

Symbol for switch

Resistors

A resistor is a component that is used to control the amount of current flowing in a circuit Resistors contain materials that provide resistance to the flow of charge and come in different sizes Eg dimmer switches uses a resistance to change the current to the bulb making it brighter or dimmer
Symbol for resistor

Diodes

A diode is a device that allows current to flow in one direction only When a diode is connected in such a way that it allows the current to flow it is said to be forward biased If it is connected so that no current flows it is in reverse biased

A diode has 2 ends a (+) end and a (-) end A silver band marks the (-) end A diode lets the current flow through it when the (-) end is joined to the negative side of the electricity

An important use of diodes is to change alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) Many appliances cannot run on ac current and need dc current eg. Computers /tape recorders

Light emitting diode LED

Are similar to diodes but emit light when current passes through them The light given out by LEDs is usually red or green They are used a signal lights to show that current is flowing When the diode allows current to pass, light is emitted and the plastic case glows

LEDs

Symbol for LED

LEDs need much less current than a bulb. If an LED receives too much current it will be damaged In a circuit it is protected by putting a large resistor in series with it Uses of LEDs---- in most electronic equipment as power indicators, also used in calculator and alarm clocks, flashlights

Light dependent resistors LDR

Is a variable resistor whose resistance changes with the amount of light that falls on it The resistance decreases when the amount of light increases( allowing a lot of current to flow through it) The resistance increases when the amount of light decreases--- it has a high resistance in the dark & a low resistance in the light

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Uses of LDRs Used in the light meter of cameras Streetlights are controlled by LDRs, when it starts to get dark an LDR reacts by reducing the current flowing in a control circuit. This triggers the switching on of the lights

Symbol for LDR

Symbols used in circuits