Author: Howard H. Gerrish, William E. Dugger, Jr., Richard M. Roberts, and Mahesh K. Pallikonda

Electricity & Electronics provides fundamental instruction in the field of electricity and electronics with easy-to-understand language. This text covers a variety of relevant topics, from the scientific nature of electricity to the components of microcontrollers. The theory of electricity and electronics is taught alongside practical examples, hands-on experiments, and real-world applications. This text teaches fundamentals of electrical principles, basic circuits, motors, generators, and power distribution. Advanced topics such as semiconductors and digital circuits are covered, as are the principles of electronics communication and data systems.

Table of Contents

Abbreviated Contents

Electricity & Electronics 12e, Online Textbook

• Electricity & Electronics
• Copyright © 2026 by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
• Preface
• About the Authors
• Reviewers
• Acknowledgments
• New to This Edition
• Credentialing Partners and Support
• • ETA ® International
  • YouScience ® Industry Certifications
• Features of the Textbook
• • Chapter Opening Materials
  • Special Features
  • Additional Features
  • End-of-Chapter Content
• Tools for Student and Instructor Success
• • Student Tools
  • Instructor Tools
• Brief Contents
• Contents
• Feature Contents
• Unit 1 Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics
• • Unit 1 Introduction
• Chapter 1 Safety
• • Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 1 Key Terms
  • Safety in the Presence of a Powerful Force
  • 1.1 Industrial Electrical Hazards
  • Section 1.1 Review
  • 1.2 Practicing Electrical Safety
  • Section 1.2 Review
  • 1.3 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Section 1.3 Review
  • 1.4 General Workplace Safety
  • Section 1.4 Review
  • 1.5 First Aid and Safety Equipment
  • Section 1.5 Review
  • 1.6 Safety and Electrical Standards Organizations
  • Section 1.6 Review
  • Chapter 1 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 2 Career Opportunities in Electronics
• • Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 2 Key Terms
  • Careers That Stay in Demand
  • 2.1 Finding a Career
  • Section 2.1 Review
  • 2.2 Careers in the Electronics Industry
  • Section 2.2 Review
  • 2.3 Job Search
  • Section 2.3 Review
  • 2.4 Work Habits and Skills
  • Section 2.4 Review
  • Chapter 2 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 3 Science of Electricity and Electronics
• • Chapter 3 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 3 Key Terms
  • Advanced Technology Prompts New Discoveries
  • 3.1 The Nature of Matter
  • Section 3.1 Review
  • 3.2 Static Electricity
  • Section 3.2 Review
  • 3.3 Basic Electrical Circuit
  • Section 3.3 Review
  • 3.4 Ohm’s Law
  • Section 3.4 Review
  • Chapter 3 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 4 Basic Instruments and Measurements
• • Chapter 4 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 4 Key Terms
  • Measuring Critical Quantities of Electricity
  • 4.1 Ammeter
  • Section 4.1 Review
  • 4.2 Voltmeter
  • Section 4.2 Review
  • 4.3 Ohmmeters
  • Section 4.3 Review
  • 4.4 Multi-Purpose Instruments
  • Section 4.4 Review
  • 4.5 Electrical Diagrams
  • Section 4.5 Review
  • Chapter 4 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 5 Basic Electrical Circuit Materials
• • Chapter 5 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 5 Key Terms
  • Controlling the Flow of Electrons
  • 5.1 Conductors
  • Section 5.1 Review
  • 5.2 Special Conductor Pathways
  • Section 5.2 Review
  • 5.3 Soldering
  • Section 5.3 Review
  • 5.4 Common Circuit Devices
  • Section 5.4 Review
  • 5.5 Lighting
  • Section 5.5 Review
  • 5.6 Resistors
  • Section 5.6 Review
  • Chapter 5 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 6 Energy
• • Chapter 6 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 6 Key Terms
  • The Importance of Electrical Power in Selecting Circuit Components
  • 6.1 Work, Power, and Energy
  • Section 6.1 Review
  • 6.2 Wattmeter and Watt-hours
  • Section 6.2 Review
  • 6.3 Efficiency
  • Section 6.3 Review
  • Chapter 6 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 7 Sources of Electricity
• • Chapter 7 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 7 Key Terms
  • Six Basic Sources of Electricity
  • 7.1 Chemical Action in Batteries
  • Section 7.1 Review
  • 7.2 Other Sources of Electrical Energy
  • Section 7.2 Review
  • Chapter 7 Review and Assessment
• Unit 2 Basic Circuits
• • Unit 2 Introduction
• Chapter 8 Series Circuits
• • Chapter 8 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 8 Key Terms
  • Basic Skills to Construct and Troubleshoot Electrical Systems
  • 8.1 Series Circuit Principles
  • Section 8.1 Review
  • 8.2 Applications and Troubleshooting Series Circuits
  • Section 8.2 Review
  • Chapter 8 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 9 Parallel Circuits
• • Chapter 9 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 9 Key Terms
  • The Significance of Parallel Circuits
  • 9.1 Parallel Circuit Principles
  • Section 9.1 Review
  • 9.2 Applications and Troubleshooting Parallel Circuits
  • Section 9.2 Review
  • Chapter 9 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 10 Combination Circuits
• • Chapter 10 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 10 Key Terms
  • Equivalent Resistance
  • 10.1 Reducing a Complex Circuit
  • Section 10.1 Review
  • 10.2 Solving for Voltage and Current Values
  • Section 10.2 Review
  • 10.3 Troubleshooting a Combination Circuit
  • Section 10.3 Review
  • Chapter 10 Review and Assessment
• Unit 3 Motors, Generators, and Power Distribution
• • Unit 3 Introduction
• Chapter 11 Magnetism
• • Chapter 11 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 11 Key Terms
  • First Forms of Magnets
  • 11.1 Basic Magnetic Principles
  • Section 11.1 Review
  • 11.2 Electric Current and Magnetism
  • Section 11.2 Review
  • 11.3 The Relay
  • Section 11.3 Review
  • Chapter 11 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 12 Generators
• • Chapter 12 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 12 Key Terms
  • Magnetism and Electricity
  • 12.1 Electrical Energy from Mechanical Energy
  • Section 12.1 Review
  • 12.2 Types of Generators
  • Section 12.2 Review
  • 12.3 Alternating Current
  • Section 12.3 Review
  • 12.4 Three-Phase Generators
  • Section 12.4 Review
  • 12.5 The Oscilloscope
  • Section 12.5 Review
  • Chapter 12 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 13 DC Motors
• • Chapter 13 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 13 Key Terms
  • A Critical Invention for Machines and Manufacturing
  • 13.1 Motor Operation Principles
  • Section 13.1 Review
  • 13.2 Types of DC Motors
  • Section 13.2 Review
  • Chapter 13 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 14 Transformers
• • Chapter 14 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 14 Key Terms
  • Transformers Distribute Electricity
  • 14.1 Transformer Theory
  • Section 14.1 Review
  • 14.2 Typical Distribution System
  • Section 14.2 Review
  • 14.3 Special Transformer Applications
  • Section 14.3 Review
  • Chapter 14 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 15 AC Motors
• • Chapter 15 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 15 Key Terms
  • AC Motors Provide Automated Power
  • 15.1 Induction Motors
  • Section 15.1 Review
  • 15.2 Motor Protection, Failure, and Troubleshooting
  • Section 15.2 Review
  • Chapter 15 Review and Assessment
• Unit 4 Advanced Electronic Circuits
• • Unit 4 Introduction
• Chapter 16 Inductance and RL Circuits
• • Chapter 16 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 16 Key Terms
  • Understanding Inductance in a Circuit
  • 16.1 Inductance
  • Section 16.1 Review
  • 16.2 Mutual Inductance
  • Section 16.2 Review
  • 16.3 Inductance in AC Circuits
  • Section 16.3 Review
  • Chapter 16 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 17 Capacitance and RC Circuits
• • Chapter 17 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 17 Key Terms
  • Laying the Groundwork for Advanced Topics in Electronics
  • 17.1 Capacitance and the Capacitor
  • Section 17.1 Review
  • 17.2 Transient Response of the Capacitor
  • Section 17.2 Review
  • 17.3 Capacitance in AC Circuits
  • Section 17.3 Review
  • Chapter 17 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 18 Tuned Circuits and RLC Networks
• • Chapter 18 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 18 Key Terms
  • Preparing for Many Applications in Electronics
  • 18.1 RLC Networks
  • Section 18.1 Review
  • 18.2 Filtering Circuits
  • Section 18.2 Review
  • Chapter 18 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 19 Semiconductors and Power Supplies
• • Chapter 19 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 19 Key Terms
  • Historical Developments Leading Up to the Integrated Circuit
  • 19.1 Semiconductors
  • Section 19.1 Review
  • 19.2 Semiconductor Diodes
  • Section 19.2 Review
  • 19.3 Power Supplies
  • Section 19.3 Review
  • 19.4 Voltage Regulation
  • Section 19.4 Review
  • 19.5 Voltage Doublers
  • Section 19.5 Review
  • Chapter 19 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 20 Transistors and Amplifiers
• • Chapter 20 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 20 Key Terms
  • From Vacuum Tubes to Transistors and Amplifiers
  • 20.1 Transistors
  • Section 20.1 Review
  • 20.2 Transistors as Amplifiers
  • Section 20.2 Review
  • 20.3 Amplifier Operation
  • Section 20.3 Review
  • 20.4 Transistor Circuit Configurations
  • Section 20.4 Review
  • 20.5 Coupling Amplifiers
  • Section 20.5 Review
  • 20.6 Thyristors
  • Section 20.6 Review
  • Chapter 20 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 21 Integrated Circuits
• • Chapter 21 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 21 Key Terms
  • Integrating Many Circuit Components into One Piece
  • 21.1 History of the Integrated Circuit
  • Section 21.1 Review
  • 21.2 IC Construction
  • Section 21.2 Review
  • 21.3 Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp)
  • Section 21.3 Review
  • 21.4 The 555 Timer
  • Section 21.4 Review
  • Chapter 21 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 22 Digital Circuits
• • Chapter 22 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 22 Key Terms
  • The Basis of the Modern Computer System
  • 22.1 Digital Fundamentals
  • Section 22.1 Review
  • 22.2 Logic Gates
  • Section 22.2 Review
  • 22.3 Logic Families
  • Section 22.3 Review
  • 22.4 Digital Applications
  • Section 22.4 Review
  • Chapter 22 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 23 Oscillators
• • Chapter 23 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 23 Key Terms
  • A Critical Component of Many Electronic Devices
  • 23.1 Basic Oscillators
  • Section 23.1 Review
  • 23.2 Other Oscillators
  • Section 23.2 Review
  • Chapter 23 Review and Assessment
• Unit 5 Electronic Communication and Data Systems
• • Unit 5 Introduction
• Chapter 24 Radio Communications
• • Chapter 24 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 24 Key Terms
  • A Brief History of Radio Wave Transmission
  • 24.1 Simple Radio Receiver
  • Section 24.1 Review
  • 24.2 Radio Transmitter
  • Section 24.2 Review
  • 24.3 Modulation
  • Section 24.3 Review
  • 24.4 AM Receiver
  • Section 24.4 Review
  • 24.5 The Superheterodyne Receiver
  • Section 24.5 Review
  • 24.6 FM Receiver
  • Section 24.6 Review
  • 24.7 Transducers
  • Section 24.7 Review
  • 24.8 Digital Radio Communications
  • Section 24.8 Review
  • Chapter 24 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 25 Electronic Display Systems
• • Chapter 25 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 25 Key Terms
  • The Role of Color in Electronic Display Systems
  • 25.1 Image Color Physics and Theory
  • Section 25.1 Review
  • 25.2 Display Types and Specifications
  • Section 25.2 Review
  • 25.3 Digital Television and Video Distribution
  • Section 25.3 Review
  • 25.4 Audio and Video Connections
  • Section 25.4 Review
  • 25.5 Troubleshooting Display Systems
  • Section 25.5 Review
  • Chapter 25 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 26 Fiber Optics and Lasers
• • Chapter 26 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 26 Key Terms
  • Transmitting Information in the Form of Light Waves
  • 26.1 Fiber Optics
  • Section 26.1 Review
  • 26.2 Lasers
  • Section 26.2 Review
  • Chapter 26 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 27 Introduction to the Personal Computer (PC)
• • Chapter 27 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 27 Key Terms
  • An Essential Tool for Our Modern World
  • 27.1 PC Repair
  • Section 27.1 Review
  • 27.2 Computer Design, Components, and Technologies
  • Section 27.2 Review
  • 27.3 Software
  • Section 27.3 Review
  • 27.4 Computer Devices
  • Section 27.4 Review
  • 27.5 Internet
  • Section 27.5 Review
  • Chapter 27 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 28 Networking Fundamentals for Electronics
• • Chapter 28 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 28 Key Terms
  • Computer Networking: An Integral Part of Business Technology
  • 28.1 Introduction to the Network
  • Section 28.1 Review
  • 28.2 Electronic Device Network Identification
  • Section 28.2 Review
  • 28.3 How Networks Communicate
  • Section 28.3 Review
  • 28.4 Introduction to Major Network Components
  • Section 28.4 Review
  • Chapter 28 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 29 Wireless Technology
• • Chapter 29 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 29 Key Terms
  • An Alternative to Cable Connectivity
  • 29.1 Introduction to Wireless Technology
  • Section 29.1 Review
  • 29.2 Wireless Network Structure and Equipment
  • Section 29.2 Review
  • 29.3 Wireless Security
  • Section 29.3 Review
  • 29.4 Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
  • Section 29.4 Review
  • 29.5 Digital Cell Technology
  • Section 29.5 Review
  • Chapter 29 Review and Assessment
• Chapter 30 Microcontrollers
• • Chapter 30 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 30 Key Terms
  • An Introduction to Microcontrollers
  • 30.1 Overview of the Microcontroller
  • Section 30.1 Review
  • 30.2 Microcontroller Components
  • Section 30.2 Review
  • 30.3 Programming Languages and Terminology
  • Section 30.3 Review
  • 30.4 The Microcontroller Module
  • Section 30.4 Review
  • 30.5 Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
  • Section 30.5 Review
  • Chapter 30 Review and Assessment
• Appendix
• • Scientific Notation
  • Trigonometry
• Glossary
• • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
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  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
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  • X
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  • Z
• Index
• • A
  • B
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  • D
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  • G
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