Day: February 12, 2021

My assignment is to respond to at least two classmates by defending which device made the largest difference in the history of science and technology. So respond to their discussions in 4 to 5 sentences.

This was the discussion post:
Initial prompt: Choose an electrical or magnetic device (resistor, capacitor, diode, fuse, transformer, motor, generator, ammeter, voltmeter, etc). In your 300-400 word initial post, explain the purpose of the device and how its invention changed circuitry, power transmission, or power generation.

These were my classmates responses:
1.
A diode is an electric component that is specialized to act as a one-way switch (Braza, n.d.). A diode is responsible for conducting electric current in only one direction, while blocking current from the opposite direction. In simple words, a diode acts as a one-way switch for current in a built-in electric field. A diode has two sides, a positive side and a negative side. The polarity in a diode is determined by an anode (positive lead) and a cathode (negative lead) (Fluke Association, 2021). While most diodes only allow current to flow when positive voltage is applied to an anode, there are very few that only allow current to flow when a cathode is charged.

A diode may play two different types of roles in a circuit. A diode is forward-biased when it allows current flow. On the other hand, a diode is reverse-biased when it acts as an insulator and does not permit any current to flow. Diodes are also known as rectifiers due to the changes they cause in alternating current (ac) into pulsating direct current (dc) (Fluke Association, 2021). There are different types of ratings diodes go by, it is all based on their type, current capacity, and voltage.

Each diode is assigned a different rating. If the rating is exceeded the diode may fail and will either allow current to flow in both directions, or prevent the current from flowing in either direction (Fluke Association, 2021).

Diodes are used in LEDs. LEDs only glow when there is positive voltage present (James & Granath, 2020). The diodes are used to only allow positive voltage through.

References:

Braza, J. (n.d.). What is a diode? Circuit Basics. https://www.circuitbasics.com/what-is-a-diode/ (Links to an external site.)

Fluke Association. (2021, February 05). What is a diode? Fluke. https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/electrical/what-is-a-diode (Links to an external site.)

James, L. & Granath, E. (2020, February 26). What is a diode and what is it used for? Power & Beyond. https://www.power-and-beyond.com/what-is-a-diode-and-what-is-it-used-for-a-908189/

2.
A generator is a dynamo or similar machine for converting mechanical energy used for backup emergency power.  It is essentially an electric motor working in reverse conversion with many similarities to engines (i.e., automobiles, aircraft, ships, and trains) and provide nearly all of the power for electric power grids.

In 1831, Michael Faraday, a British scientist, discovered electromagnetic induction, which is when a conductor moves in a magnetic field, electrical changes could be created and directed to create a flow of current. By 1832, Faraday was able to apply electricity to a functioning electrical motor which paved the way for other inventors to hone and perfect it as well. The invention of a generator changed circuitry by powering the electrical motor and the importance of the technology.

An electric generator is a device that changes kinetic and electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. 

In electricity generation, a generator doesn’t create electricity, however, it is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical power for use in an external circuit.

The mechanical power for an electric generator is usually obtained from a rotating shaft which is equal to the shaft torque multiplied by the rotational, or angular, velocity.  Generators are available in many different fueling options such as, diesel, natural gas, and portable/ mobile types. (Worldwide power products, 2021) 

They also provide electrical power and electrical generators housed in power plants making power rapidly available. A generators output of electrical power is measured by kilowatts and in a circuit analysis, you often use it to stand as an idealized version of another component, such as a battery, transistor, etc.

A portable generator is a diesel or gas fueled device that engine turns an alternator that creates usable electricity up to a certain level of wattage that can plug electrical appliances or tools directly into the generator outlets. All of these machines convert mechanical energy to electricity for transmission and distribution over power lines to domestic, industry, and commercial consumers.

References

Ketchum, D., (2017, April 25), Importance of Michael Faraday Invention of the Electric Motor, https://sciencing.com/importance-michael-faraday-invention-electric-motor-7630.html (Links to an external site.)

What is a generator?: The Blueprint for power, Worldwide Power Products, https://www.wpowerproducts.com/news/what-is-a-generator-the-blueprint-for-power/

My assignment is to respond to at least two classmates by defending which device made the largest difference in the history of science and technology. So respond to their discussions in 4 to 5 sentences.