Basic electricity
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Metals typically have many free electrons, and are good conductors. In insulators, electrons cannot easily move freely, so they are not readily available for electric current.
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Free electrons
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For electric current to flow, the electrons need a complete pathway, or circuit. To make them move, there must be a force. It is called electromotive force, also known as voltage.
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Basic electronic principles
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An n-type semiconductor has an excess of electrons. N for negative. If holes are in excess, it is a p-type. P for positive.
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Semi-conductors
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Most electronic components combine p-type and n-type semi-conductors. Where they join is called the p-n junction. In this area, some electrons and holes cancel each other out. A thin layer forms, that acts like an insulator.
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Semiconductor device
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Semiconductor devices are electronic components that exploit the electronic properties of semiconductor materials. |
Depletion layer
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An insulating region within a conductive, doped semiconductor material where the charge carriers have been swept away through recombination.
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Dielectric
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A dielectric, or electrical insulator, is a substance that is highly resistant to flow of electric current.
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Resistance
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A measure of the degree to which an object opposes the passage of an electric current.
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Ground
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Ground is a term used to indicate connecting a component to the vehicle frame or chassis.
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Ohm's law calculations
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Using the rules of Ohm's Law gives an accurate method of determining values in an electrical circuit.
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Power equation
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Electrical power is a measurement of output, or the rate of work. Unlike EMF, current flow and resistance, electrical power is not a direct measurement.
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