Topic outline

  • Fundamentals of Matter, Energy, Electricity

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    A solid background in the nature and properties of matter, electrostatics, magnetism, and electrical voltage, current and resistance, as provided in this course is useful preparation for study of semiconductors, semiconductor electronics, and photovoltaics.

    Topics:

    • The meanings of and relationships among matter, element, compound, mixture, atom, molecule, nucleus, electron, proton, neutron, energy, valence, valence shell, and ion.
    • The meanings of and relationships among kinetic energy, potential energy, photons, electron orbits, energy levels, and shells & subshells
    • The differences between and properties of conductors, insulators and semiconductors
    • Static electricity, its properties and how it is generated
    • Magnetism, including natural and artificial magnets and magnetic materials
    • Methods of producing a voltage and examples of each
    • Meanings of and relationships among electrical voltage, current and resistance
    • Characteristics, symbols, ratings, and uses for various types of resistors
    • The color code for identifying resistor values

    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

    Intended Audience: for electrical, electronic, and computer engineers. Someone completing this course will gain knowledge about the fundamental nature of matter as it relates to electricity.
    Publication Source: US Dept. of Energy


    Harlan Bengtson PhD, PE

    • Topic 1