Level: JHS, Basic 7 | Subject: Integrated Science | Strand: Forces and Energy | Topic: Electronic Components
Curriculum reference: B7.4.2.2 (NaCCA Integrated Science).
1. What are Electronic Components?
- Electronic components are the small parts used to build circuits in radios, phones, televisions, chargers and computers.
- They are fixed on a circuit board and joined by wires or metal tracks.
2. The Main Components
| Component | What it does | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Resistor | Limits (reduces) the flow of current | Protects other parts, controls volume |
| Capacitor | Stores electric charge for a short time | Camera flash, power supplies |
| Inductor (coil) | Stores energy in a magnetic field and resists sudden changes in current | Radios, chargers |
| P-N diode | Lets current flow in one direction only | Changing a.c. to d.c. in chargers |
| Light Emitting Diode (LED) | A diode that gives out light when current flows | Torches, TV screens, indicator lights, bulbs |
3. Notes on Each Component
- Resistor: measured in ohms (Ω). Colour bands show its value.
- Capacitor: measured in farads (F). A bigger capacitor stores more charge.
- Inductor: measured in henrys (H). It is a coil of wire.
- Diode: made from P-type and N-type semiconductor joined together. Current flows only when it is connected the right way round (forward bias).
- LED: uses very little electricity, lasts long and does not get very hot. It must be connected the right way round and usually needs a resistor.
4. Safety and Care
- Never touch circuit parts when the device is connected to the mains.
- Do not open phone chargers or televisions without a trained person.
- Dispose of old electronics (e-waste) properly. Do not burn them.
Remember: Resistor limits current, capacitor stores charge, inductor is a coil, diode allows one-way flow, and an LED is a diode that gives light.
Ready to practise?
Education Always (education.inspiringalways.com). Original notes written to follow the NaCCA Basic 7 Integrated Science curriculum.