Basic Electrical Theory.ppt

Basic Electrical Theory S. Christian Mariger Ph.D. Biological Systems Engineering Virginia Tech Objectives Identify and describe the scientific principles related to electricity. Explain the electron theory and it’s relationship to electricity. Describe electrical terminology. Define Ohm’s law. Explain electrical power and energy relationships. Objectives continued Perform electrical calculations. List and describe the basic types of electrical circuits. Electron Theory All matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are made up of: Electrons Protons Neutrons Electron Theory Atoms Nucleus Protons: positive charge Neutrons: neutral charge Orbits Electrons: negative charges circle the nucleus in orbits Electron Theory Electrons are in orbits at different distances from the nucleus. Electrons in the orbit the greatest distance from the nucleus are in the valence shell. The outer orbit contains between 1 and 8 electrons. Conductors contain 4 e in the outer orbit. Insulators contain 4 e in the outer orbit. Semiconductors contain exactly 4 e. Electron Theory Valence shell electrons Some elements have atoms with valence shell electrons that have a strong magnetic attraction with the + charges in the nucleus. These electrons will not easily move from atom to atom. These elements are poor conductors of electricity and are called insulators. Insulators include: glass, paraffin, rubber, porcelain, wood, and most plastics. Electron Theory Valence shell electrons: Some elements have valence shell electrons that have a weak magnetic attraction with the + charges in the nucleus and will move easily from atom to atom. These materials are good electrical conductors. Silver, Gold, Copper and Aluminum are examples of conductors. The Copper Atom The copper atom has 29 electrons in four orbits or shells. Electrical Current Current: the flow of electrons in a conductor Electron vs. Conventional Theory In reality we know that electrons flow from negative to positive (Electron T