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.

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 thermocouple is a temperature sensor that consists of two wires made from different conductors. The junction of these two wires produces a voltage based on the temperature difference between them and can be used like a switch to open or close the circuit at a designated temperature.

Ohm's law specifies the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) in an electrical circuit: V = IR.

Solved for current, I = \( \frac{V}{R} \) = \( \frac{170}{20} \) = 8.5 A

The larger the number the smaller the diameter of the wire. So, the diameter of a number 12 wire is less than the diameter of a number 6 wire.