Sure, here are the explanations for each of the terms used in electronic construction engineering:
i. **Potential Difference/Voltage**:
Potential difference, often referred to as voltage, is the measure of electrical energy difference between two points in a circuit. It is what drives electrons through a conductor and is measured in volts (V). Voltage can also be thought of as the pressure that pushes electric charge through a conductor.
ii. **Current**:
Current is the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It quantifies the amount of charge passing a point in the circuit over a period of time and is measured in amperes (A). Essentially, current represents the rate at which electrons flow through a conductor.
iii. **Resistivity**:
Resistivity is a fundamental property of materials that quantifies how strongly a given material opposes the flow of electric current. It is typically denoted by the symbol "ρ" (rho) and is measured in ohm-meters (Ω·m). A high resistivity indicates that the material is a poor conductor of electricity, while a low resistivity indicates good conductivity.
iv. **Conductivity**:
Conductivity is the inverse of resistivity and measures a material's ability to conduct electric current. It is denoted by the symbol "σ" (sigma) and is measured in siemens per meter (S/m). High conductivity indicates that a material allows electric charges to move through it easily.
v. **Conductance**:
Conductance is the measure of how easily electricity flows through a component in a circuit. It is the inverse of resistance and is measured in siemens (S). The higher the conductance, the more efficiently current can pass through the element.
Each of these terms plays an integral role in understanding and designing electronic circuits and systems.
. (a) Explain the following terms used in electronic construction engineering.
i. Potential difference/voltage
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ii. Current
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iv. Resistivity
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v. Conductivity
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vi. Conductance
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