Electrical Engineering ⇒ Topic : Definitions of important terms

DEFINITIONS OF IMPORTANT TERMS

Circuit, A conducting path through which an electric current either flows or is intended to flow is called a circuit The various elements of an electric circuit are called parwneters (e.g.resistance, inductance and capacitance). These parameters may be distributed or lumped.

Linear Circuit. The circuit whose parameters are constant (i.e., they do not change with voltage or current) is called a linear circuit.

Non-linear Circuit. The circuit whose parameters change with voltage or current is called a non-linear circuit.

Unilateral Circuit A unilateral circuit is one whose properties or characteristics change with the direction of its operation (e.g. diode rectifier).

Bilateral Circuit. It is that circuit whose properties or characteristics are same in either direction (e.g. transmission line).

Electric Network. An electric network arises when a number of parameters or electric elements co-exist or combine in any manner or arrangement.

Active Network. An active network is one which contains one or more than one sources of e.m.f.

Passive Network A passive network is one which does not contain any source of e.m.f.

Node. A node is junction in a circuit where two or mare circuit elements are connected together.

Branch. The part of a network which lies between two junctions in called branch.