All conductors have resistance and the amount of resistance varies with the element. Metals exhibit increased resistance (and, therefore, lower conductivity) as their temperature increases.

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.

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.

A transformer utilizes an inductor to increase or decrease the voltage in a circuit. AC flowing in a coil wrapped around an iron core magnetizes the core causing it to produce a magnetic field. This magnetic field generates a voltage in a nearby coil of wire and, depending on the number of turns in the wire of the primary (source) and secondary coils and their proximity, voltage is induced in the secondary coil.

A photovoltaic cell (also known as a solar cell) converts energy from the sun into electrical energy.