Elenco Electronic Playground 50-in-1 Experiments - Manual (Page 4)

Electron A sub-atomic particle that has
an electrical charge.
Electronics The science of electricity and
its applications.
Emitter The output of an NPN bipolar
junction transistor.
Encode To put a message into a format
which is easier to transmit.
Farad, (F) The unit of measure for
capacitance.
Feedback To adjust the input to
something based on what its
output is doing.
Flip-Flop A type of transistor
configuration is which the
output changes every time it
receives an input pulse.
FM Frequency modulation. The
frequency of the radio signal is
varied depending on the
information being sent.
Forward-Biased The state of a diode when
current is flowing through it.
Frequency The rate at which something
repeats.
Friction The rubbing of one object
against another. It generates
heat.
Gallium Arsenide A chemical element that is
used as a semiconductor.
Generator A device which uses steam or
water pressure to move a
magnet near a wire, creating an
electric current in the wire.
Germanium A chemical element that is
used as a semiconductor.
Ground A common term for the 0V or
“
– ” side of a battery or
generator.
Henry (H) The unit of measure for
Inductance.
Inductance The ability of a wire to create an
induced voltage when the current
varies, due to magnetic effects.
Inductor A component that opposes
changes in electrical current.
Insulator A material that has high
electrical resistance.
Integrated Circuit A type of circuit in which
transistors, diodes, resistors,
and capacitors are all
constructed on
a
semiconductor base.
Kilo- (K) A prefix used in the metric
system. It means a thousand of
something.
LED Common abbreviation for light
emitting diode.
Light Emitting Diode A diode made from gallium
arsenide that has a turn-on
energy so high that light is
generated when current flows
through it.
Magnetic Field The region of magnetic
attraction or repulsion around a
magnet or an AC current. This
is usually associated with an
inductor or transformer.
Magnetism A force of attraction between
certain metals. Electric
currents also have magnetic
properties.
Meg- (M) A prefix used in the metric
system. It means a million of
something.
Micro- (
μ)
A prefix used in the metric
system. It means a millionth
(0.000,001) of something.
Microphone A device which converts sound
waves into electrical energy.
Milli- (m) A prefix used in the metric
system. It means a thousandth
(0.001) of something.
Modulation Methods used for encoding
radio signals with information.
Momentum The power of a moving object.
Morse Code A code used to send messages
with long or short transmit
bursts.
NAND Gate A type of digital circuit which
gives a HIGH output if some of
its inputs are LOW.
NOR Gate A type of digital circuit which
gives a HIGH output if none of
its inputs are HIGH.
NOT Gate A type of digital circuit whose
output is opposite its input.
NPN Negative-Positive-Negative, a
type of transistor construction.
Ohm’s Law The relationship between
voltage, current, and resistance.
Ohm, ( Ω) The unit of measure for
resistance.
OR Gate A type of digital circuit which
gives a HIGH output if any of its
inputs are HIGH.
Oscillator A circuit that uses feedback to
generate an AC output.
Parallel When several electrical
components are connected
between the same points in the
circuit.
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