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Component 2 Application of Electronics

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does a 555 timer in astable mode produce a continuous square wave, and what sets its frequency?

The 555 astable: producing a continuous square-wave output, the frequency and period equations, the duty cycle, and using an astable as a clock or flasher.
An Eduqas GCSE Electronics answer on the 555 timer in astable mode: how it free-runs to give a continuous square wave, the frequency and period equations, why the standard duty cycle exceeds 50 per cent, and using an astable as a clock, flasher or tone generator.
13 min answer →

How does a 555 timer in monostable mode produce a single timed pulse when triggered?

The 555 monostable: producing a single output pulse when triggered, the pulse-duration equation, and using a monostable for timed delays and switch debouncing.
An Eduqas GCSE Electronics answer on the 555 timer in monostable mode: how a trigger produces a single output pulse, the pulse-duration equation, choosing the timing resistor and capacitor for a target time, and using a monostable for timed delays and switch debouncing.
12 min answer →

How does an operational amplifier amplify a small signal, and how is its gain set by resistors?

Operational amplifiers: the op-amp as a high-gain amplifier, negative feedback, and the inverting and non-inverting amplifier gains.
An Eduqas GCSE Electronics answer on operational amplifiers: the op-amp as a very high-gain difference amplifier, how negative feedback sets a stable gain, the inverting and non-inverting amplifier configurations and their gain equations, and the voltage follower as a buffer.
13 min answer →

How is the a.c. mains turned into the smooth d.c. that electronic circuits need?

Power supplies: rectifying a.c. to d.c., smoothing with a reservoir capacitor, the idea of ripple, and stabilising the output voltage.
An Eduqas GCSE Electronics answer on power supplies: rectifying a.c. to d.c. with diodes, smoothing the output with a reservoir capacitor, the idea of ripple and how a larger capacitor reduces it, and stabilising the output voltage with a regulator or Zener diode.
13 min answer →