In order to understand how DC generators produce electricity, it is crucial to understand how the relative motion of a conductor moving through a magnetic field ( B ) induces forces that put the conductor’s electrons into motion; however, prior to engaging in a discussion about electromagnetic induction, we must briefly re-examine how the magneticContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: DC Generator Fundamentals”
Category Archives: Mathematics
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetic Field Intensity and Hysteresis
Please recall that the magnetomotive force ( Fm ) equation shows how the magnitude of current ( I ) flowing through ( N ) loops of wire determine how much flux ( ɸ ) is established within a metal core around which the wire is wrapped: Fm = NI It is important to remember thatContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetic Field Intensity and Hysteresis”
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Electromagnet Fundamentals
Thus far, we’ve seen how charge ( q ) in motion has the ability to give rise to magnetic fields ( B ) within certain material types. It will now be useful to see how certain rules are used to determine which direction this magnetic flux ( ɸ ) will travel within a given magneticContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Electromagnet Fundamentals”
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Magnetomotive Force
The relationship between cause, effect, and resistance ( R ) to change are beautifully summed up by the Ohm’s law equation: ( V / R ) = I The greater the ability a system has to resist change, the less so that change will be observed. As far as Ohm’s law is concerned, change isContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Magnetomotive Force”
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Reluctance and Permeability of Magnetic Materials
Q: A blacksmith splits open a doughnut-shaped torus as pictured below: The inner radius of the torus is 1.75 cm, and the outside radius is 2.25 cm. If the torus is made of low-carbon steel, what is its reluctance? A: Let’s begin by viewing the torus from above prior to being split apart: The threeContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Reluctance and Permeability of Magnetic Materials”
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Permeability and Reluctance of Magnetic Materials
Many uncanny comparisons can be made between the behavior of electric currents and magnetic flux ( ϕ ) within conductive materials. In the same way that some materials conduct current better than others, metallic materials differentially provide pathways through which magnetic flux can permeate. The permeability ( μ ) of any material is relative toContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Permeability and Reluctance of Magnetic Materials”
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Permanent Magnets, Contact Switches, and Hall Effect Sensors
Prior to engaging in studies of electromagnetic devices, an examination of simple yet very important devices made of permanent magnets is due. In the diagram below, a magnet is used to control a switch that regulates the flow of electricity in a circuit: In order to close the circuit and elicit flow of electric currentContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Permanent Magnets, Contact Switches, and Hall Effect Sensors“
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetic Flux Density
Magnetic field lines represent regions of space that have the ability to enact forces upon charged particles in motion. Likewise, a stationary charged particle will experience a force from a nearby magnet when it is put into motion. Time and time again, we will see that the magnitude of the force enacted by a magneticContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetic Flux Density“
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetism and the Magnetic Field
The concept of “ free space “ may be visually appealing to the senses, but this perception very rarely ( if ever ) describes any meaningful description of any region of space. This argument can easily be confirmed with objects as simple as paper clips and refrigerator magnets. Under the right conditions, seemingly magical forcesContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Magnetism and the Magnetic Field“
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Superposition Theorem
Q: What is the total current ( IT ) and voltage ( V3 ) across resistor R3? A: In order to begin evaluating the circuit from the vantage point of Vs1, we place a short across Vs2 : Within this circuit, negatively charged electrons move upward and across the R3 resistor towards the positively chargedContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Superposition Theorem“
