Solid State Electronics

Assignment # 1

Question #1

Explain conductance, provide as many details as possible.

Conductance:

Conductance is an expression of the ease with which electric current flows through a substance. In equations, conductance
is symbolized by the uppercase letter G. The standard unit of conductance is the siemens (abbreviated S), formerly known
as the mho.

When a current of one ampere (1 A) passes through a component across which a voltage of one volt (1 V) exists, then the
conductance of that component is 1 S. The siemens is, in fact, equivalent to one ampere per volt. If G is the conductance
of a component (in siemens), I is the current through the component (in amperes), and E is the voltage across the
component (in volts), then:

G = I/E

Question #2

Provide a COMPLETE definition of current, voltage, and resistance.

Current: flow of electricity through a conductor; "the current was measured in amperes"

Voltage: rate at which energy is drawn from a source that produces a flow of electricity in a circuit; expressed in volts

Resistance: electric resistance: a material's opposition to the flow of electric current; measured in ohms

Question #3

Provide an explanation of what an open circuit is by contrasting it with a short circuit.

An open circuit is a circuit where the impedance is very high, close to infinity ohms, casuing no current. This is also often
a fault condition, but one that does not cause the protective device (fuse or circuit breaker) to

A short circuit is a circuit where the impedance is very low, close to zero ohms, causing a high current. This is often a
fault condition.

Question #4

What is direct current? What is alternating current?

Direct Current: an electric current that flows in one direction steadily

Alternating Current: In alternating current (AC, also ac) the movement (or flow) of electric charge periodically
reverses direction. An electric charge would for instance move forward, then backward, then forward, then backward,
over and over again. ...

Momin Ansari