ET 110 - DC Circuits

Credits: 2
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Introduces the basic concepts of electricity as it applies to DC circuits. Explains the basic structure of the atom and electron theory. Reviews batteries and other sources of electricity. Explains the schematic symbols for devices used in DC circuits. Determines the total resistance for series and parallel combinations of resistors. Uses Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's voltage law, and Kirchhoff's current law to solve combination DC circuits. Explains the design and application of a Wheatstone bridge. Uses meters during lab activities to apply concepts learned during class. Credit may be earned in SKET 110 or ET 110 but not both.

Prerequisite(s): MATH LEVEL 3
Corequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in ET 100 is recommended.
Lecture Hours: 30 Lab Hours: 15
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Demonstrate an understanding of electrical terminology and scientific theory for DC circuits.
1. Explain the basic structure of the atom and electron theory.
2. Explain the construction and operation of batteries and other sources of electricity.
3. Associate basic electrical terms, units, and abbreviations with their meanings.
4. Describe the concepts of electrical potential, current flow, and resistance.
Describe charateristics and perform calculations for DC circuits.
1. Identify resistors by color code combination.
2. Recognize and draw the schematic symbols for devices used in DC circuits. Differentiate between different symbols, conventions, and terminology.
3. Characterize DC voltage and current sources.
4. Utilize voltage, current, resistance, power, energy, and efficency relationships to solve for DC circuit values.
5. Analyze series, parallel, and combination DC circuits to determine voltage, current, resistance, and power relationships.
6. Differentiate between Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s voltage law, Kirchhoff’s current law, superposition theorem, Thevenin’s theorem, Norton’s theorem, and the maximum power transfer theorem. Utilize the appropriate laws and theorems to solve DC circuits.
7. Explain the application and operation of a Wheatstone bridge circuit.
Conduct laboratory experiments to reinforce lecture material.
1. State, comprehend, and comply with safety precautions when working on electrical equipment.
2. Construct circuits using electrical components and laboratory equipment. Calculate, measure, and analyze characteristics of DC circuits.
3. Measure electrical values of current, voltage, and resistance in DC circuits.
4. Develop troubleshooting techniques.