BASICS OF ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT

An electric circuit consists of electrical

elements connected together.
The International System of Units (SI) is the
international measurement language, which
enables engineers to communicate their
results. From the six principal units, the units
of other physical quantities can be derived.


Definition of Terms
Charge is an electrical property of the atomic
particles of which matter consists, measured
in coulombs (C). Each electron has -1.602 x
10
-19
C
Electric current is the time rate of change of
charge, measured in amperes (A).


t I Q t i q
dt
dq
t
q
i

); ( ;
Definition of Terms
A direct current (dc) is a current that remains
constant with time.
An alternating current (ac) is a current that
varies sinusoidally with time.
Voltage (or potential difference) is the energy
required to move a unit charge through an
element, measured in volts (V).




Definition of Terms
Power is the time rate of expending or
absorbing energy, measured in watts (W).
Note: 1 Hp = 746 W


Passive sign convention is satisfied when the
current enters through the positive terminal
of an element and P = +VI. If the current
enters through the negative terminal, P = -VI.



vi
t
w
p

Definition of Terms
Energy is the capacity to do work, measured in
Joules (J). Note: 1 Wh = 3.6 kJ





t P W
QV W
dq
dw
q
w
v

Definition of Terms
An ideal independent source is an active
element that provides a specified voltage or
current that is completely independent of
other circuit elements.
An ideal dependent (or controlled) source is an
active element in which the source quantity is
controlled by another voltage or current.


Definition of Terms
An ideal independent source is an active
element that provides a specified voltage or
current that is completely independent of
other circuit elements.
An ideal dependent (or controlled) source is an
active element in which the source quantity is
controlled by another voltage or current.


EXERCISE
#1
How much charge is represented by 4,600
electrons?



#2
The total charge entering a terminal is given by
q = 5tsin(4t) mC. Calculate the current at
t = 500 ms.

#3
Determine the total charge entering a terminal
between t = 1 s and t = 2 s if the current
passing the terminal is i = (3t
2
t) A.


#4
An energy source forces a constant current of 2 A for 10
s to flow through a light bulb. If 2.3 kJ is given off in
the form of light and heat energy, calculate the
voltage drop across the bulb.

#5
Find the power delivered to an element at
t = 3 ms if the current entering its positive
terminal is i = 5cos(60t) A and the voltage is
v = 3i.

#6
How much energy in kJ does a 100-W electric
bulb consume in two hours?

#7
Calculate the power supplied or absorbed by
each element in the circuit.

#8
A homeowner consumes 700 kWh in January.
Determine the electricity bill for the month
using the following residential rate schedule:
Base monthly charge of $12.00.
First 100 kWh per month at 16 cents/kWh.
Next 200 kWh per month at 10 cents/kWh.
Over 300 kWh per month at 6 cents/kWh.

#9
The charge entering a certain element is shown
in the graph. Determine the current at
t = 6ms.

#10
The charge flowing in a wire is plotted. Sketch
the corresponding current.

#11
A rechargeable flashlight battery is capable of
delivering 85 mA for about 12 h. How much
charge can it release at that rate? If its
terminal voltage is 1.2 V, how much energy
can the battery deliver?

#12
The current entering the positive terminal of a
device is i(t) = 3e
-2t
A and the voltage across
the device is v(t) = 5di/dt V. (a) Determine the
charge delivered to the device between t = 0 s
and t = 2 s. (b) Calculate the power absorbed.
(c) Determine the energy absorbed in 3 s.

Electricity in our Daily Lives
Check the power ratings of your appliances at
home
Check how MERALCO computes your electrical
bill.