Analysis of Student Understanding of Basic AC Concepts


Book Description

This project began with a study on student understanding of the basic concepts of voltage, current, and power in DC and AC circuits. Protocol studies revealed that beginning student knowledge of the domain is "in pieces". Students had difficulty in differentiating key concepts such as voltage and current, lacked the ability to map from physical processes to abstract notation, and experienced problems because they had incomplete mappings for metaphors and analogies. Because of "invisible nature" of electricity, students had very few preconceived notions about the domain and most of what they learned was gained through instruction. In the second phase of the project, our emphasis shifted to a study on how to prepare students to learn difficult DC and AC circuit concepts, and to assess how instruction in these topics improved problem solving behavior. This led to our framework for Assessment of Domain Learnability (ADL) and the implementation of a computer environment, STAR-Legacy, that integrates instruction with dynamic assessment. Preliminary studies demonstrated improved student understanding and problem solving capability in the DC circuit domain. We also extended our AC protocol studies to characterize student understanding of more advanced AC concepts using problems dealing with voltage regulators and filter circuits.




Understanding DC Circuits


Book Description

Understanding DC Circuits covers the first half of a basic electronic circuits theory course, integrating theory and laboratory practice into a single text. Several key features in each unit make this an excellent teaching tool: objectives, key terms, self-tests, lab experiments, and a unit exam. Understanding DC Circuits is designed with the electronics beginner and student in mind. The authors use a practical approach, exposing the reader to the systems that are built with DC circuits, making it easy for beginners to master even complex concepts in electronics while gradually building their knowledge base of both theory and applications. Each chapter includes easy-to-read text accompanied by clear and concise graphics fully explaining each concept before moving onto the next. The authors have provided section quizzes and chapter tests so the readers can monitor their progress and review any sections before moving onto the next chapter. Each chapter also includes several electronics experiments, allowing the reader to build small circuits and low-cost projects for the added bonus of hands-on experience in DC electronics. Understanding DC Circuits fully covers dozens of topics including energy and matter; static electricity; electrical current; conductors; insulators; voltage; resistance; schematic diagrams and symbols; wiring diagrams; block diagrams; batteries; tools and equipment; test and measurement; series circuits; parallel circuits; magnetism; electromagnetism; inductance; capacitance; soldering techniques; circuit troubleshooting; basic electrical safety; plus much more. Integrates theory and lab experiments Contains course and learning objectives and self-quizzes Heavily illustrated




Understanding AC Circuits


Book Description

Understanding AC Circuits covers the second half of a basic electronic circuits theory course, integrating theory and laboratory practice into a single text. Several key features in each unit make this an excellent teaching tool: objectives, key terms, self-tests, lab experiments, and a unit exam. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated by the authors to reflect the latest information on electronics. Understanding AC Circuits is designed with the electronics beginner and student in mind. The authors use a practical approach exposing the reader to the systems that are built with AC circuits making it easy for beginners to master even complex concepts in electronics while gradually building their knowledge base of both theory and applications. Each chapter includes easy-to-read text accompanied by clear and concise graphics fully explaining each concept before moving onto the next. The authors have provided section quizzes and chapter tests so the readers can monitor their progress and review any sections before moving onto the next chapter. Each chapter also includes several electronics experiments, allowing the reader to build small circuits and low-cost projects for the added bonus of hands-on experience in AC electronics. Understanding AC Circuits fully covers dozens of topics including single-phase and three-phase AC electronics; electrical generator basics; how to use a multimeter and oscilloscope in AC electronics; troubleshooting and testing circuits; tools and equipment; resistive circuits; inductive circuits; capacitive circuits; vector diagrams; series circuits; transformers; filter circuits; resonant circuits; decibels; waveshaping control; electronic symbols; soldering techniques; plus much more. Integrates theory and lab experiments Contains course and learning objectives and self-quizzes Heavily illustrated




Electrical Theory -- AC


Book Description

Available on video or CD-ROM, this series of four videos correlates directly to Delmar's Standard Textbook of Electricity and serves as the perfect introduction (or supplement) to information covered in the book. Its helpful graphics and professional-quality animations have been thoughtfully designed to provide tomorrow's technicians and technologists with a solid understanding of fundamental AC concepts. The tapes bring AC circuits to life, providing detailed explanations of inductance, capacitance, and resistance. Safety is strongly emphasized in each video and special attention is given to explaining all electrical formulas and calculations clearly and in detail. Consistent, easy-to-understand explanations and examples are also used to highlight similarities and differences between AC and DC circuits while laying the groundwork for advanced study of more complex electricity and electronics concepts.




Understanding Audio


Book Description

(Berklee Guide). Understanding Audio explores the fundamentals of audio and acoustics that impact every stage of the music recording process. Whether you are a musician setting up your first Pro Tools project studio, or you are a seasoned recording engineer or producer eager to find a reference that fills in the gaps in your understanding of audio, this book is for you. Understanding Audio will enable you to develop a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of sound, and take some of the mystery and guesswork out of how equipment setup affects the quality of your recordings. Projects at the end of each chapter will assist you in applying these principles to your own recording environment. Learn about: Basic and Advanced audio theory; Cables and studio wiring; Recording studio and console signal flow; Digital and analog audio; Studio and listening room acoustics; Psychoacoustics; "In the Studio" insights, relating audio principles to real recording situations; and so much more! f Miami-Florida




Electrical Theory - AC


Book Description

Available on video or CD-ROM, this series of four videos correlates directly to Delmar's Standard Textbook of Electricity and serves as the perfect introduction (or supplement) to information covered in the book. Its helpful graphics and professional-quality animations have been thoughtfully designed to provide tomorrow's technicians and technologists with a solid understanding of fundamental AC concepts. The tapes bring AC circuits to life, providing detailed explanations of inductance, capacitance, and resistance. Safety is strongly emphasized in each video and special attention is given to explaining all electrical formulas and calculations clearly and in detail. Consistent, easy-to-understand explanations and examples are also used to highlight similarities and differences between AC and DC circuits while laying the groundwork for advanced study of more complex electricity and electronics concepts.




Practical Electricity


Book Description

Appropriate for low-level or short courses in Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) Circuits. From basic electricity through direct current and alternating current circuits, Cook's down-to-earth approach makes the world of electricity come vividly alive. The book builds upon the author's highly praised "practical learning approach" featuring historical success stories, guided examples, concept analogies, actual circuit applications, device testing, circuit troubleshooting, and much more making all coverage student-friendly. This fine-tuned, carefully tested volume meets the needs of those beginning their training or expanding their career skills in electronics today.




Understanding Electricity and Wiring Diagrams for HVAC/R


Book Description

This book provides HVAC/R service technicians with exceptionally practical information on the unique wiring diagrams, methods, technician short-cuts, and potential pitfalls encountered on the job. It begins with a discussion of general electricity and electrical circuits, and then moves quickly into explaining wiring diagrams for HVAC and refrigeration systems, and the new devices that are encountered with each new diagram. It features accessible, technician-level explanations of electronics. Electrical Concepts. Simple Currents. Standing Pilot Furnaces. Heating/Air Conditioning Circuits. Troubleshooting Strategies. Testing and Replacing Common Devices. Repair Strategies. Commercial Systems. Motor Applications. Power Wiring. Testing and Replacing Motors and Start Relays. How Motors Work. Low-Voltage Room Thermostats. Electronic Ignition Gas-Fired Furnaces. Oil Heat. Electric Heat. Boilers. Heat Pump. Ice Makers. Miscellaneous Devices and Accessories. Wiring Techniques. DDC Controllers. For HVAC/R service technicians.




Physics for Nonphysicists


Book Description

Environmental professionals who look beyond their specialties and acquire knowledge in a variety of sciences not only make solving on-the-job problems easier for themselves, but they also increase their employment opportunities. This fifth book in the 'non-specialist' series provides both professionals and students with a clear, concise overview of the most important aspects of physics in a way that anyone, even those who have never taken a formal physics course, can relate to. Starting with the basic principles of measurement, conversion factors, and math operations, the author explores the topics of motion and force, work and energy, gravity, atoms, heat, sound, light and color, and basic electricity. Each chapter examines the jargon, concepts, key concerns, and applications of physics in action and ends with a chapter review test.