Glossary
Plain-language electrical and electronics terms.
A quick apprentice-friendly reference for words that show up in calculators, lessons, repair notes, simulator checks, PCB planning, and project guides.
Safety first, always.
ElectroLab AI teaches theory, low-voltage electronics, and planning concepts. Mains voltage, switchboards, fixed wiring, high-current systems, and legal electrical work must only be performed by licensed electricians where required.
Open Safety CenterTerm groups
Theory
AC
Alternating current. Current that changes direction repeatedly.
Theory
DC
Direct current. Current with one main polarity or direction.
Core
Voltage
Electrical pressure or potential difference, measured in volts.
Core
Current
Flow of electric charge, measured in amps.
Core
Resistance
Opposition to current flow, measured in ohms.
Core
Power
Rate of energy use or transfer, measured in watts.
Core
Ground
Reference point in a circuit. It is not always earth.
Faults
Short circuit
Unwanted low-resistance path that can cause high current.
Faults
Open circuit
Broken or incomplete path where current cannot flow.
Bench
Polarity
Positive and negative orientation of a DC part or supply.
Parts
Capacitance
A capacitor's ability to store charge, measured in farads.
Parts
Inductance
A coil's ability to store energy in a magnetic field, measured in henrys.
Audio/RF
Impedance
Opposition to AC that includes resistance and reactance.
Audio/RF
Resonance
Frequency where a circuit or system naturally responds strongly.
Audio
Crossover
Audio filter network that sends frequency bands to suitable speakers.
Magnetics
Transformer
Magnetic device that transfers AC energy between windings.
Protection
Flyback diode
Diode used across a DC coil to clamp switch-off voltage spikes.
Safety
Current limit
Bench supply setting that restricts maximum current during tests.
Testing
Continuity
Meter check that confirms a low-resistance path exists.
Core
Load
The part or circuit using power from a source.
PCB
Decoupling
Using capacitors near ICs to reduce supply noise.
PCB
Footprint
PCB pad layout that must match the physical part.
PCB
Trace
Copper path on a PCB that connects nodes.
Safety
Licensed electrical work
Work controlled by law or regulation that must be done by licensed people where required.