Basic Electronics

Chapter 1 — Complete Notes

Important Formulas — Quick Reference

Quantity Formula

Current I = Q / t

Voltage V = W / Q

Resistance (Ohm's Law) R = V / I

Power P = V I

Resistivity ρ = R A / L

Capacitance C = ε A / d

Time Period T = 1 / f

Network Theorem B = L + N − 1

Resistors in Parallel 1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...

Two Resistors in Parallel Req = (R1 × R2) / (R1 + R2)

Voltage Divider Rule V2 = V (R2 / (R1 + R2))

Current Divider Rule (I1) I1 = (R2 / (R1 + R2)) × I

Current Divider Rule (I2) I2 = (R1 / (R1 + R2)) × I

Inductors in Series Leq = L1 + L2 + L3 + ...

Inductors in Parallel 1/Leq = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + 1/L3 + ...

1. Circuit
A circuit is a closed loop through which electric current flows. It is made of electrical components
connected by conducting wires.

2. Passive Elements
• Resistor — Opposes the flow of current.
• Capacitor — Stores energy in an electric field.
• Inductor — Stores energy in a magnetic field.

3. Active Elements
• Diode — Allows current to flow in one direction only.
 • Transistor — Used for amplification and switching.
• Integrated Circuits (ICs) — Electronic circuits containing many components on a single chip.

4. Direct Current (DC)

DC is electric current that flows in one constant direction. Its value remains steady and does not change
with time.

5. Alternating Current (AC)

AC is electric current that periodically reverses direction. Its value varies sinusoidally with time.

6. Series Circuit
Components are connected end-to-end in a single path. The same current flows through all components.

7. Parallel Circuit
Components are connected across common points, creating multiple paths. Voltage is the same across
each branch while current divides among the branches.

8. Independent Source
Supplies a fixed voltage or current that is not affected by other circuit elements.

9. Dependent Source
Supplies a voltage or current whose value depends on another voltage or current elsewhere in the circuit.

10. Capacitor
A capacitor consists of two conductors separated by an insulating material (dielectric).

Capacitance: C = εA / d

11. Inductor
An inductor is a coil of wire wound around a core. It opposes changes in current by inducing a voltage
from a changing magnetic field.

12. Branch
A branch is a single circuit element connected between two nodes.

13. Node
A node is a connection point where two or more branches meet.

14. Loop
A loop is any closed path in a circuit.
15. Cycle
One complete set of positive and negative values of an alternating waveform.

16. Frequency
Number of cycles per second. Unit: Hertz (Hz).

17. Amplitude
Maximum positive or negative value of a waveform.

18. Average Value

Average of the instantaneous values over one cycle.

19. Time Period

T = 1 / f

Uses of Capacitors
• Block DC while allowing AC to pass.
• Main component of filters.
• Connect one circuit stage to another.
• Store electrical energy.

Uses of Inductors
• Tuning circuits
• Sensors
• Induction motors
• Transformers
• Filters
• Chokes

Basic Electrical Quantities

Quantity Description Unit

Current Movement of electric charge A

Voltage Electrical pressure causing current flow V

Resistance Opposition to current flow Ω

Power Rate of electrical energy transfer (P = VI) W

20. Ohm's Law

 V = I R
I = V / R
R = V / I

21. Electric Power

P = V I

22. Network Theorem

B = L + N − 1
where B = Branches, L = Loops, N = Nodes

23. Kirchhoff's Laws

KCL: ΣI = 0 — Current entering a node equals current leaving the node.

KVL: ΣV = 0 — Sum of voltages around a closed loop equals zero.

24. Resistors in Parallel

1/Req = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...
Req = (R1 × R2) / (R1 + R2) (for two resistors)
VT = V1 = V2 = ...
IT = I1 + I2 + ...

25. Voltage Divider Rule

V2 = V (R2 / (R1 + R2))

26. Current Divider Rule

I1 = (R2 / (R1 + R2)) × I
I2 = (R1 / (R1 + R2)) × I

27. Inductors — Series and Parallel

Series: Leq = L1 + L2 + L3 + ...
Parallel: 1/Leq = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + 1/L3 + ...