A Zener diode acts like a normal diode when it is forward-biased, meaning when the positive voltage is applied to its anode and negative voltage to its cathode. In this forward-biased state, a Zener diode behaves similarly to a regular silicon diode, allowing current to flow in the forward direction once the threshold voltage (typically … Read more
Electronic humidity sensors work based on various principles, but one common method involves using a capacitive sensor. In capacitive humidity sensors, a humidity-sensitive material, such as a polymer, absorbs or desorbs water vapor from the surrounding air. This absorption or desorption changes the dielectric constant of the material, which in turn alters the capacitance of … Read more
Sound waves in tubes are considered standing waves because they exhibit a stationary pattern of oscillation rather than propagating through the medium. In a standing wave, certain points along the tube remain fixed (nodes) while others oscillate with maximum amplitude (antinodes). This pattern occurs due to the interference between the incident and reflected waves within … Read more
A short circuit occurs when a low-resistance path is inadvertently created between two points in an electrical circuit, bypassing the intended load. This can lead to a sudden surge in current flow, potentially causing overheating, damage to components, and in extreme cases, fire or electrical hazards. Short circuits often result from faulty insulation, damaged wires, … Read more
Capacitors play several critical roles in power supplies. One primary function is to filter and smooth the output voltage. In power supply circuits, especially in DC power supplies, capacitors are placed across the output to reduce ripple and noise. They store electrical charge and release it during voltage drops, ensuring a more stable and constant … Read more
Solar panels primarily generate electricity using sunlight, specifically photons from sunlight that create an electric current through the photovoltaic effect. While solar panels are most efficient under direct sunlight, they can generate electricity with any light that contains photons within the appropriate wavelength range. This means solar panels can produce electricity even on cloudy days … Read more
LED bulbs come in both dimmable and non-dimmable varieties. Dimmable LED bulbs are designed to be compatible with dimmer switches, allowing users to adjust the brightness of the light output. They typically have circuitry that regulates current flow in response to varying voltage levels from the dimmer switch, enabling smooth dimming without flickering or other … Read more
Testing a single-phase induction motor typically involves several methods to ensure its proper functioning and diagnose any faults. One common approach is to perform a visual inspection of the motor for any signs of damage, such as burnt windings or overheating. Next, you can use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance of the motor windings … Read more
What is spark gap and how does it work ? A spark gap is a device used to produce an electrical discharge (spark) between two electrodes separated by a small gap filled with a non-conductive gas or air. Its primary function is to allow high voltage pulses to pass through when a certain threshold voltage … Read more
The lifespan of an electrolytic capacitor can vary widely depending on factors such as operating conditions, temperature, voltage stress, and quality of the capacitor itself. Generally, electrolytic capacitors are designed to last for several thousand hours of operation under typical conditions. For example, common electrolytic capacitors may have lifespans ranging from 1,000 hours to 10,000 … Read more