Topic outline

  • Basics of Electrical Theory

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This 65 page, 5 hour refresher course covers basic electrical and magnetism theories.

    Topics:

    Upon the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
    • Given a simple electrical circuit, apply basic electrical theory fundamental principles to describe circuit operation.
    • Describe the following terms: Electrostatic force, Electrostatic field, Potential difference, Electromotive force (EMF), Ion charge
    • Define the following terms: Conductor, Insulator, Resistor, Electron current flow, Conventional current flow, Direct current (DC), Alternating current (AC), Ideal source, Real source
    • Describe the following electrical parameters, including the unit of measurement and the relationship to other parameters: Voltage, Current, Resistance , Conductance, Power, Inductance, Capacitance
    • Given any two of the three component values of Ohm’s Law, determine the unknown component value.
    • Describe how the following methods produce a voltage:Electrochemistry, Static electricity, Magnetic Induction, Piezoelectric effect, Thermoelectricity, Photoelectric effect, Thermionic emission
    • Define the following terms:Magnetic flux, Magnetic flux density, Weber, Permeability, Magnetomotive force (mmf), Ampere turns, Field intensity, Reluctance
    • Describe the following materials as they relate to permeability, including an example and an approximate relative permeability: Ferromagnetic materials, Paramagnetic materials, Diamagnetic materials
    • Explain the physical qualities of a simple magnetic circuit, including relationships of qualities and units of measurements.
    • Given the physical qualities of a simple magnetic circuit, calculate the unknown values.
    • Describe the shape and components of a BH magnetization curve.
    • Explain the cause of hysteresis losses.
    • Given Faraday’s Law of induced voltage:
    • Describe how varying parameters affect induced voltage.
    • Calculate voltage induced in a conductor moving through a magnetic field.
    • State Lenz’s Law of induction.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy


    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1