1. Basic Electricity Electron Theory
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

2. BASIC ELECTRICITY
 Electron Theory

3. To familiarize the student with a understanding of basic
BASIC ELECTRICITY
Electron Theory
Objectives:
To familiarize the student with a understanding of basic
electron theory and static electricity.
Recommended Reading:
Jeppesen General Textbook: Chapter 3, pages 3-1 to 3-8
Avotek Intro to Acft Maintenance textbook:
Chapter 7, pages 7-1 to 7-8
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

4. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
I. Matter
II. Dynamic Electricity
III. Static Electricity
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

5. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
I. Matter.
A. Anything that has mass and occupies space.
B. Forms of matter:
1. Solid
2. Liquid
3. Gas
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

6. 11/22/ :14 AM

8. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
  C. Composition of matter:
1. Atoms: the smallest particle of matter that retains
its chemical identity.
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9. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Atom
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

10. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
a. Atoms consist of 3 basic sub-atomic particles:
1) Protons (Positive electrical charge).
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

11. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Atom
Proton is positive
electrical charge +
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12. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
a. Atoms consist of 3 basic sub-atomic particles:
1) Protons (Positive electrical charge).
2) Neutrons (Neutral electrical charge).
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13. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Atom
Neutron is neutral
electrical charge +
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14. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
a. Atoms consist of 3 basic sub-atomic particles:
1) Protons (Positive electrical charge).
2) Neutrons (Neutral electrical charge).
3) Electrons (Negative electrical charge).
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

15. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Atom - +
Electron is negative electrical charge
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16. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
b. Nucleus:
1) The center of the atom.
2) Contains neutrons and protons.
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17. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Atom
Nucleus
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18. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
  c. Electrons:
1) Orbit the nucleus in various rings.
2) They are the basic negative charge of
electricity.
3) The mass of the electrons are 1836 times
smaller than the protons.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

19. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Atom -
Valence ring +
Electron is negative electrical charge
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

20. + d. The basic electrical components of an atom are
protons and electrons. +
1 to 8 valence rings may exist
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21. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Copper Atom – 29 electrons
First valance orbit Second valance orbit
2 electrons electrons
Third valance orbit
18 electrons Forth valance orbit
1 electron +
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

22. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
2. Elements:
a. Matter consisting of only one type of
atom.
b. Some common elements are:
1) Hydrogen
2) Oxygen
3) Copper
4) Aluminum
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

23. 3. Molecules: the smallest division of chemical
compound that retains its chemical identity.
a. A compound is a group of two or more
different atoms.
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24. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
4. Ions:
a. Atoms which have gained or lost one or more
electrons.
b. Neutral Ions contain an equal number of
protons and electrons (an electrically
balanced atom).
c. Positive Ions: atoms with more protons than
electrons (positive charge).
d. Negative Ions: atoms with fewer protons than
electrons (negative charge).
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

25. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
D. Fundamental law of electrostatics:
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

27. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
D. Fundamental law of electrostatics:
1. Like charges repel.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

28. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
D. Fundamental law of electrostatics:
1. Like charges repel.
2. Unlike charges attract.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

29. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
II. Dynamic Electricity.
A. A controlled flow of electrons.
B. The effects of electron flow are felt at the speed
of light (186,000 miles per second).
C. Valence ring: the outer orbit or shell of an atom
that contains free (or valence) electrons.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

30. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
1. Conductor:
a. A material that contains 1 to 3 free
electrons. (Copper, Aluminum).
b. These electrons are loosely held and are
free to move from atom to atom.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

31. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
2. Semi-conductor:
a. A material with 4 – 6 free electrons.
(Silicon, Germanium).
Silicon atom
Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

32. Wire 3. Insulator: a. A material with 7 or more free electrons.
(rubber, glass, wood, air).
b. These electrons are tightly held and can’t
move from atom to atom.
Wire
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33. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
mica
glass
Teflon
rubber
oil
porcelain
ceramic
quartz
dry paper
plastic
air
diamond
pure water
c. Most insulators are compounds
Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

34. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
D. Best Conductors – in order of conductivity.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

35. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
D. Best Conductors – in order of conductivity.
1. Silver – Expensive (1 free electron)
.95 ohms / Foot*
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory
*With the same diameter

36. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
D. Best Conductors – in order of conductivity.
1. Silver – Expensive (1 free electron)
.95 ohms / Foot*
2. Copper – Inexpensive and 60% more conductive
than Aluminum (1 free electron)
1.00 ohms / Foot*
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory
*With the same diameter

37. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
D. Best Conductors – in order of conductivity.
1. Silver – Expensive (1 free electron)
.95 ohms / Foot*
2. Copper – Inexpensive and 60% more conductive
than Aluminum (1 free electron)
1.00 ohms / Foot*
3. Gold – Very expensive, Very heavy, but doesn't
corrode easily (1 free electron)
1.42 ohms / Foot*
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory
*With the same diameter

38. D. Best Conductors – in order of conductivity.
1. Silver – Expensive (1 free electron)
.95 ohms / Foot*
2. Copper – Inexpensive and 60% more conductive
than Aluminum (1 free electron)
1.00 ohms / Foot*
3. Gold – Very expensive, Very heavy, but doesn't
corrode easily (1 free electron)
1.42 ohms / Foot*
4. Aluminum – Light weight, has 3 free electrons.
1.65 ohms / Foot*
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*With the same diameter

39. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
E. Direction of current flow:
1. Conventional current theory:
a. Current flows from positive to negative.
b. Outdated, but still used in schematics and
some textbooks.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

40. Conventional current theory
From positive to negative
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

41. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
2. Electron flow theory:
a. Current flows from negative to positive.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

42. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Electron flow theory
From negative to positive
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

43. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory+ + + + + + + + + +
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

44. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory+ + + + + + + + + + +
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

45. _ + _ + Electron Flow – negative to positive
Conventional or Hole flow -
positive to negative
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

46. _ + _ + Electron Flow – negative to positive
Conventional or Hole flow -
positive to negative
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

47. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
F. Units of Electrical Measurement:
1. Electromotive force (EMF):
a. The pressure or force that causes current
to flow.
b. Quantities are labeled with (V) and are
measured in Volts.
c. Formula sheet symbol for math equations = E.
d. Also referred to as: voltage drop, EMF,
potential, or potential difference, difference
of potential.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

48. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

49. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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50. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

51. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Pressure or Force
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

52. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory+ -
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

53. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Voltage,
Voltage Drop,
EMF,
Potential,
Potential difference,
Difference of potential. + -
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54. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Voltage
Its symbol is E
Formula for Ohms Law
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

55. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Voltage
Analogy
Valve closed
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56. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Circuit Analogy
Reservoir
Voltage or
pressure
Pond
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

57. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
2. Quantity of electrons:
a billion billion (quintillion) electrons in one
place is called a coulomb (Q).
b. 1 coulomb = 6,280,000,000,000,000,000
electrons or 6.28 x 1018 electrons.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

58. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
3. Current Measurement:
a. Quantities are labeled with (A) and are
measured in Amperes (Amps).
a. Amps measure the rate of electron flow.
b. Formula sheet symbol for math equations = I
(Intensity)
c. 1 coulomb passing a given point in one
second is equal to 1 Amp.
d. 1 amp = 6.28 x 1018 electrons per second.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

59. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

60. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Flow
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

61. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

62. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Flow
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

63. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory+ -
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

64. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Current Flow + -
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

65. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Current Flow + -
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

66. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Current
Its symbol is I
Valve full open
Formula for Ohms Law
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

67. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Current
Analogy
Valve fully open
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68. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Circuit Analogy
Reservoir
Current or
flow
Voltage or
pressure
Pond
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

69. Bodily Effect: Direct Current (D.C.) 60Hz Alternating Current
Slight sensation Men = 1.0 mA (.001 A) mA (.0004 A)
felt at hand(s) Women = 0.6 mA (.0006 A) mA (.0003 A)
Threshold of Men = 5.2 mA (.0052 A) mA (.0011 A)
perception Women = 3.5 mA (.0035 A) mA (.0007 A)
Painful, but Men = 62 mA (.062 A) mA (.009 A)
voluntary muscle Women = 41 mA (.041 A) mA (.006 A)
control maintained
Painful, unable Men = 76 mA (.076 A) mA (.016 A)
to let go of wires Women = 51 mA (.051 A) mA (.0105 A)
Severe pain, Men = 90 mA (.090 A) mA (.023 A)
difficulty Women = 60 mA (.060 A) mA (.015 A)
breathing
Possible heart Men = 500 mA (.5 A) mA (.1 A)
fibrillation Women = 500 mA (.5 A) mA (.1 A)
after 3 seconds

70. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
4. Resistance:
a. Resistance is the opposition to current flow.
b. Causes heat to be generated.
c. Quantities are labeled in (Ω) and are
measured in Ohms.
d. Formula sheet symbol for math equations = R.
e. In Alternating Current: Resistance = R,
Reactance = X, Inductive Reactance = XL,
Capacitive Reactance = XC, Impedance = Z.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

71. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

72. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Restriction
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

73. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Voltage + -
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

74. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Current Flow
Voltage + -
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

75. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Current Flow
Voltage
Resistance + -
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

76. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Resistance
Its symbol is R
Formula for Ohms Law
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

77. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Resistance
Analogy
Valve partially open
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78. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Circuit Analogy
Current or
flow
Reservoir
Current or
flow
Voltage or
pressure
Resistance
Pond
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

79. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
5. Power (Joule’s Law):
a. Measures the work done by an electrical
circuit.
b. Quantities are labeled (W) and are measured
in Watts.
c. Formula sheet symbol for math equations = P
d. Joule’s = watt x time (seconds)
e. 1 Horsepower = 746 Watts.
f. P (watts) = E (volts) x I (amps)
I (amps) = P (watts) / E (volts)
E (volts) = P (watts) / I (amps)
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

80. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

81. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
Circuit Analogy
Current or
flow
Reservoir
Current or
flow
Voltage or
pressure
Resistance
Pond
Power
Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

82. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
G. Conductor selection factors:
1. Material:
a. Some materials conduct better than others.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

83. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
2. Wire length:
a. Resistance increases as length increases.
100 Ω
10 Ω
Wire
1 Ω
Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

84. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
3. Cross sectional area:
a. Resistance decreases as area increases.
b. Larger area allows more current and less
power loss.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

85. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
c. Diameter (Inverse square law):
1) Any change in the diameter changes the
resistance inversely by the square of the
diameter.
2) If diameter doubles, resistance decreases
to one-fourth the original value.
3) If diameter divides in half, the resistance
increases by four times the original value.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

86. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
4. Temperature:
Temperature Coefficients:
Positive:
Resistance increases as temperature
increases.
(b) Most substances behave this way.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

87. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
2) Negative:
Resistance decreases as temperature
increases.
(b) Carbon, silicon, germanium, ceramics,
Nickel Cadmium batteries behave this
way.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

88. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
H. American Wire Gauge System (AWG):
1. Gauge numbers are based on cross sectional
area of wire.
2. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the
area.
3. The lower the gauge number, the larger the
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

89. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
4. Cross sectional area is measured in circular
mils:
a. Circular Mil (CM) = (diameter in inches x 1000)2
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90. WIRE TABLE FOR SOLID, ROUND COPPER CONDUCTORS
Size Diameter Cross-sectional area Weight
AWG inches cir. mils sq. inches lb/1000 ft
============================================
4/ ,
3/ ,
2/ ,
1/ , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

91. Examples: AWG # 4 AWG # 10 AWG # 16 .02535” Dia .05082” Dia .1019” Dia
642.5 CM
2,583 CM
10,380 CM
41,740 CM
sq.in.
sq.in.
sq.in.
sq.in.
1.945 lbs/1000 ft
7.818 lbs/1000 ft
31.43 lbs/1000 ft
126.4 lbs/1000 ft
lbs/ft
lbs/ft
lbs/ft
.1264 lbs/ft
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92. I. Types of conductors used on aircraft: 1. Copper:
a. Advantages – good conductor, flexible, and
easily drawn into wire.
b. Disadvantages – heavy.
2. Aluminum:
a. Advantages – lighter and cheaper than copper.
b. Disadvantages – not a great conductor.
3. When replacing copper wire with aluminum wire,
always use wire that is 2 sizes larger:
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93. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
a. Aluminum has less current carrying capacity
and higher resistance (equal size copper).
b. The smallest allowable aluminum wire is AWG 6.
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94. III. Static Electricity
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95. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
III. Static Electricity
A. An excess or deficiency of electrons at rest.
B. 3 methods of generation:
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96. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
1. Friction
2. Contact
3. Induction
John Travoltage
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97. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
C. Definitions:
1. Bonding:
a. The electrical connection of conductive
structural components or parts for static
control.
b. Equalizes static build up on the aircraft
structure.
c. The maximum resistance of a bonding strap is
.003 ohms or 3 milliohms.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

99. 11/22/ :14 AM

101. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
2. Grounding:
a. The electrical connections of a current
using device to primary structure for the
purpose of current return.
b. The maximum resistance of a ground
connection is .005 ohms or 5 milliohms.
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Redstone College GN Day 1 Electron Theory

104. D. Control of static charges:
1. Static discharge wicks:
a. Dissipate static build up off the aircraft
structure in flight.

106. 2. Ground wires:
a. Connect components to the aircraft.

110. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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111. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
E. Hazards associated with static:
1. Radio interference.
2. Mechanical damage to surfaces.
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112. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
3. Damage or destruction of Electrostatic
Discharge Sensitive (ESDS) devices.
4. Fire hazard during fueling.
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113. Redstone College GN102 Day 1 Electron Theory
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114. Assignment: Student Workbook pages 1 – 2
Workbook typos, change…
Question #21 …”.020” inches. not .20 inches.
Question #22 List “four”… not three.
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