You can multiply the voltage or the current supplied by individual batteries by connecting them together either in series or in parallel. The characteristics of batteries connected in series are that total voltage equals the sum of the individual battery voltages, total current equals the average of the individual battery currents, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of the next, and one connection is made between each adjacent battery.

Resistance is opposition to the flow of current and is measured in ohms (Ω). One ohm is defined as the amount of resistance that will allow one ampere of current to flow if one volt of voltage is applied. As resistance increases, current decreases as resistance and current are inversely proportional.

A diode allows current to pass easily in one direction and blocks current in the other direction.

In contrast to the constant one-way flow of direct current, alternating current changes direction many times each second. Electricity is delivered from power stations to customers as AC because it provides a more efficient way to transport electricity over long distances.

The purpose of a capacitor is to retain electric charge and it will do so even after its input voltage is removed. After the input voltage is removed, the capacitor will slowly discharge but, depending on the size and characteristics of the capacitor, discharging could take from a few minutes to a few years. So, it's never safe to touch a capacitor with your hands and you should make sure to discharge any capacitors in a circuit before working on it using an appropriately high-wattage resistor or a capacitor discharge tool.