Current in an electric circuit creates heat when the current overcomes resistance in the wire.

Electricity is delivered from power stations to customers as AC because it provides a more efficient way to transport electricity over long distances. Most households use electricity with a frequency of 60Hz.

A diode allows current to pass easily in one direction and blocks current in the other direction. A zener diode is a diode which allows current to flow in one direction as normal and will also allow current flow in the reverse direction when the voltage is above a certain value. This value is called the breakdown voltage.

Connecting the 4 batteries in series multiplies their voltage while keeping their current the same yielding a 48V 10A configuration. Connecting the 4 batteries in parallel multiplies their current while keeping their voltage the same yieleding a 12V 40A configuration. Using a series-parallel connection, 2 batteries can be connected in series and 2 can be connected in parallel resulting in a 24V 20A configuration.

The transistor is the foundation of modern electronic devices. It is made entirely from semiconductor material (making it a solid state device) and can serve many different functions in a circuit including acting as a switch, amplifier, or current regulator. A transistor works by allowing a small amount of current applied at the base to control general current flow from collector to emitter through the transistor.