This document is a brief introduction to electronics. Check the sources at the bottom for some recommended reading and dealers in electronic supplies and equipment.

• Electronics is the technology of controlling the flow of electrons.
• Electrons exist as particles swirling around the nucleus of the atom.
• When an electromotive force is present, electrons will move through some materials.
• The force moving electrons is measured in volts.
• A battery is a chemical device, designed to provide the force needed to move electrons.
• Electrons move from the (-) end of the battery and are attracted to the (+) end.
• A circuit is a complete path ( - to + ) for electrons to move on.
• Some materials impede the flow of electrons, this is called resistance.
• Resistors are devices designed to provide resistance in a circuit.
• Resistance is measured in ohms.
• The number of electrons moving in a circuit is called current.
• Current is measured in amperes (amps).
• The relationship among voltage, current and resistance is defined by Ohm's Law.
• Ohm's law: voltage = current x resistance, V = I*R
• V = voltage (volts), I = current (amps), R = resistance (ohms)

A basic circuit:

Supplies:

• 1 LED (Radio Shack # 276-18)
• 1 - 1000 ohm resistor (Radio Shack # 271-1321)
• 1 - 9V Battery
• 1 - 9V Battery clip (Radio Shack # 270 - 325)

Construction:

             LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) are easily damaged if too much current flows through them. For this reason it is necessary to use a resistor to reduce the current flow. Note that LED's have a "+" and "-" lead, the "-" lead is beside a "notch" in the plastic base of the LED. If you connect an LED backwards it won't work. See "Sources" at the bottom for ideas on where you can get more information.

Sources:

Radio Shack stores are found throughout Canada and the United States making them a convenient source for electronic supplies and equipment. The stores carry a complete stock of basic electronic supplies.

Some recommended products from Radio Shack:

• Getting Started in Electronics (an excellent book) RS # 276-5003
•                     
• Engineers Mini Notebooks (series of project books) RS # 276-50**
•                     
• Lab Kits (complete electronic kits) RS # 28-161, 28-265, 28-270, 28-256

Active Electronic Components stores are found throughout Canada and the United States. These stores carry an extensive stock of electronic supplies and equipment for both the hobbyist and the professional.

Active is an excellent source for components and breadboards (# 70H05).