• Learn the definitions of the different variables that are used in the study of circuits.
• Learn how the different variables used in the study of circits are related to each other.
• Learn the standardized prefixes which signify powers of ten for the various variables used in the study of circuits.
• Learn the importance of reference directions in relating the voltage and current variables of a basic ideal two-terminal circuit element.
• Know what the passive sign convention means for a basic ideal two-terminal circuit element.
• Learn the conventions for power flow and how these relate to the algebraic sign of the power variable.

Skills: In studying the material in chapter 1, you should make certain that you develop the following skills:

• Change the value of a variable to take account of any of the standardized prefixes.
• Use a mathematical expression to relate voltage, energy, and charge.
• Use a mathematical expression to relate current, charge, and time.
• Use a mathematical expression to relate power, energy, and time.
• Use a mathematical expression to relate power, voltage, and current.

Review Questions: Test your understanding of the material in chapter 1 by answering the following review questions:

1. If the charge contained in a circuit element is a constant, what can be said about the current into or out of the element?

2. If the current flowing into a circuit element is constant, what can be said about the total quantity of charge which has been delivered to the element?

3. If the energy contained in a circuit element is changing linearly (with time), what can be said about the power being delivered to or being taken from the element?

4. If the power being delivered to a circuit element is sinusoidal (as a function of time), what can be said about the total quantity of energy delivered to the element.

5. If the voltage applied to a circuit element is sinusoidal and the current into and out of the element is also sinusoidal (but of the same frequency), what is the waveform of the power associated with that network element.