The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Have you ever wondered about all the material or matter around us? What is it? Is there any universal explanation for its appearance, properties, and behavior?

One theory that explained some of the properties of matter was the molecular theory of matter, which states that matter consists of small molecules in motion. This theory provides an explanation of many characteristics of matter, including how heat works and why materials change from solid to liquid to gas. This was followed by the atomic theory of matter, which states that matter consists of atoms made of protons, neutrons and electrons.

Matter is closely associated with energy, which is defined as the ability to do work. What does this mean? Work is done when matter is moved by applying a force--a push or pull. Lifting a book off a table or throwing a baseball requires work. In science, something must be moved to do work. Energy, therefore, is the capacity to move or effect changes in matter.

Energy may take different forms like thermal energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy or nuclear energy. Electricity is a form of energy that comes from the movement of electrons in a closed circuit. This continuous movement of free electrons through the conductors of a circuit is called a current, and it is often referred to in terms of "flow," just like the flow of a liquid through a hollow pipe. The force motivating electrons to "flow" in a circuit is called voltage. Voltage is a specific measure of potential energy that is always relative between two points. When we speak of a certain amount of voltage being present in a circuit, we are referring to the measurement of how much potential energy exists to move electrons from one particular point in that circuit to another particular point. Without reference to two particular points, the term "voltage" has no meaning.

Free electrons tend to move through conductors with some degree of friction, or opposition to motion. This opposition to motion is more properly called resistance. The amount of current in a circuit depends on the amount of voltage available to motivate the electrons, and also the amount of resistance in the circuit to oppose electron flow. Just like voltage, resistance is a quantity relative between two points. For this reason, the quantities of voltage and resistance are often stated as being "between" or "across" two points in a circuit.

In this course, we will study the basic concepts and fundamentals behind electricity.

This 4-hr course material is based entirely on Naval Education and Training Materials (NAVEDTRA 14173), Electricity and Electronic Training Series; Module-1 “Introduction to matter, energy and direct current” and covers Chapter 1.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty-five (25) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).