Within the field of electronics, a delicate balance between energy transfer and efficiency must be maintained; however, in some circumstances, maximum power ( P ) must be delivered to a load without regard to how inefficient the process may be. Herein lies the concept of maximum power transfer. The mathematical derivations relevant to this processContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Maximum Power Transfer Theorem“
Tag Archives: Joules
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Voltage-Divider Formula
Thus far, we have seen how the sum of voltage drops across a series circuit is equal to the voltage value of the source ( Vs ): Vs = V1 + V2 + V3 In the aforementioned scenario, three resistors are situated within a non-diverging electrical path; thus, each resistor along the electrical path hasContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: The Voltage-Divider Formula“
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Electron Volts vs. Kilowatt Hours ( Part 2 )
A previous mathematical derivation was used to determine that an electron volt ( eV ) is a quantity of energy carried by an electron that accelerates through an electric field. We will now see that the kilowatt-hour ( kWh ) is also a unit of energy; it is a quantum of energy carried by aContinue reading “INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICS: Electron Volts vs. Kilowatt Hours ( Part 2 )“
ENERGY AND MOMENTUM: The Joule
The International System of Units ( SI ) uses seven base units to describe seven fundamental quantities that can be measured by scientists: Symbol Name Base quantity second ( s ) time meter ( m ) length kilogram ( kg ) mass ampere ( A ) electric current kelvin (Continue reading “ENERGY AND MOMENTUM: The Joule”
ELECTRONICS: Kirchhoff’s Laws
Q: What are the values of the currents ( I ) and unknown voltage drops ( V ) across the resistors ( R ) pictured below? A: The first problem-solving step involves assigning labels to the junctions ( j ) in the circuit: We must now sketch the currents flowing in the circuit: The currentContinue reading “ELECTRONICS: Kirchhoff’s Laws”
ROTATIONAL MOTION: Rotational Inertia
Q: A student sits atop a freely rotating stool holding two dumbbells, each of which has a mass of 3.09 kg. When the student’s arms are extended horizontally outward, the dumbbells are 0.99 m from the axis of rotation. There are 180 degrees of separation between the extended arms. The student rotates with an angularContinue reading “ROTATIONAL MOTION: Rotational Inertia”
ELECTRICITY: Wattage
Q: A parallel electrical circuit connects the electrical outlets located within a room. A 20-A fuse is put into place to protect the circuit from unexpected surges of current ( I ). The voltage drop across each circuit element is V = 120 V. What is the maximum power ( W ) output that canContinue reading “ELECTRICITY: Wattage”
ENERGY and MOMENTUM: How Fast Will the Block Move When a Compressed Spring is Released?
Q: A spring with a spring constant k = 100 N/m is compressed a distance ( x ) = 100 mm. A block with a mass ( m ) = 0.250 kg is placed next to the spring. The surface upon which the block rests is frictionless and horizontal. When the spring and block areContinue reading “ENERGY and MOMENTUM: How Fast Will the Block Move When a Compressed Spring is Released?”
FORCE AND ACCELERATION: The Gravitational Force of Attraction
Q: An arbitrary distance separates two objects of equal mass. If the mass of each object is doubled, and the distance between the two objects is tripled, how will the force of attraction between the two objects change? A: This question regards the gravitational force of attraction that exists between two objects with well-defined massesContinue reading “FORCE AND ACCELERATION: The Gravitational Force of Attraction”
ELECTRICITY: Direct Current and Parallel Resistors
INTRODUCTION TO DIRECT CURRENT ( DC ) ELECTRONICS : Note: Assuming each resistor ( R ) = 64 Ohms, what is the equivalent resistance of the circuit from points A to B ? Symmetry regarding the flow of electrons is the key to calculating the total resistance ( R ) of this circuit. Let’s suppose theContinue reading “ELECTRICITY: Direct Current and Parallel Resistors”
RENAISSANCE PHYSICS 