Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS
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ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 16
Grade code: 2.5.2.LI.4
Strand code: 5
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.5.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.5.2.LI.4
Theme: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS
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In our daily lives here in Ghana, we are surrounded by devices that need power to work, especially when there is no light from the national grid (during "dumsor"). Our phones, remote controls, torchlights ("kontro"), and even the cars and "trotros" we ride in all depend on a portable source of electrical energy. These sources are called electrochemical cells, or what we commonly call batteries. This lesson will demystify these essential components. We will explore what they are made of, the different types that exist, and exactly how they function to power our world. Understanding cells is fundamental to understanding all electronic circuits.
A. What is an Electrochemical Cell?
An electrochemical cell (or simply, a cell) is a device that converts stored chemical energy directly into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. It is the basic unit that makes up a battery. A battery is technically one or more cells connected together.
Every simple cell is composed of three essential parts: Anode (-ve Electrode): The negative terminal of the cell. It is where oxidation occurs (the electrode material loses electrons). Cathode (+ve Electrode): The positive terminal of the cell. It is where reduction occurs (the electrode material gains electrons). Electrolyte: A chemical substance (often a liquid or paste) that contains ions and can conduct electricity. It separates the anode and cathode and allows ions to move between them, completing the circuit inside the cell.
How it Works (Simple Analogy): Imagine the electrolyte as a river. The anode releases electrons into an external wire (like putting a boat in the river) and positive ions into the electrolyte (river). These electrons travel through the wire, do work (like lighting a bulb), and arrive at the cathode. The cathode accepts these electrons. The ions travelling through the electrolyte balance the charge, keeping the reaction going. This continuous flow of electrons through the external wire is the electric current.