Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 1

CHAPTER 12: DIGITAL ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Ch12-Q01: Say True (or) False.
1. Electronic devices contain circuitry that involves active electrical components and 1. True
associated passive interconnection technologies.
2. Active electrical components requires a power source to operate. 2. True
3. Passive electrical components are capable of operating without an external power source. 3. True
4. The turn-on voltage of zener diode is between 0.3 and 0.7 V. 4. True
5. As the reverse voltage of zener diode increases to the breakdown voltage, large current 5. True
starts flowing through the diode.
6. For normal operations of a zener diode, in breakdown region, the current through the 6. True
diode should be limited by an external circuit.
7. Zener diode has a reverse-breakdown voltage at which the diode starts to conduct electric current. 7. True
8. Zener diode remains continuous in the reverse-bias mode. 8. True
9. The voltage drop across the zener diode always remains constant irrespective of the 9. True
applied voltage.
10. Zener diodes are suitable for voltage regulation. 10. True
11. There are LEDs that emit invisible light. 11. True
12. LEDs are used in televisions, VCRs (video cassette recorders), video cameras, computers, 12. True
and stereos.
13. A current limiting resistor should be connected in parallel with LED in the circuit to 13. False
protect the LED.
14. A photodiode is a semiconductor device that converts electrical current into light. 14. False
15. Photodiodes work in forward biased mode. 15. False
16. The current flows through a photodiode, when an external load is connected. 16. True
17. Dark current flows through the photodiode when no light is falling. 17. True
18. A small amount of current may be produced in a photodiode when no light is falling. 18. True
19. Silicon is most often used to fabricate photodiodes. 19. True
20. Germanium and gallium arsenide can also be used to fabricate photodiodes. 20. True
21. The greater the intensity of light, the greater the photocurrent produced by a photodiode. 21. True
22. Photodiodes are used as photosensors in remote-controlled devices. 22. True
23. Photodiodes can be used for light measurement in light meters. 23. True
24. Photodiodes can be used to respond light levels. 24. True
25. Photodiodes can be used in switching on street lightning after dark. 25. True
26. The dark resistance of the LDR is quite small. 26. False
27. When the LDR is exposed to light, it takes a few milliseconds to lowers its resistance. 27. True
28. When the LDR is exposed to light, it responses in a few nanoseconds. 28. False
2 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

29. The resistance of a thermistor can be changed by heating the thermistor directly. 29. True
30. The resistance of a thermistor can be changed by passing a current through it. 30. True
31. PTC is used to break the circuit at preset temperatures. 31. True
32. Liquid crystals emit light directly. 32. False
33. LCDs are lit by a backlight. 33. True
34. LCDs allowed displays to be much thinner than cathode ray tube. 34. True
35. LCDs consume much less power than LEDs and gas-plasma displays. 35. True
36. LCDs work on the principle of blocking light rather than emitting it 36. True
37. An LED emits light. 37. True
38. An LCD emits light. 38. False
39. LCDs have begun being replaced by the new display technologies such as organic light- 39. True
emitting diodes (OLEDs).
40. Digital electronics is similar to analog electronics and analog signals. 40. False
41. Many of our household items make use of digital electronics. 41. True
42. An IC can function as an amplifier. 42. True
43. An IC can function as an oscillator. 43. True
44. An IC can function as a timer. 44. True
45. An IC can function as a counter. 45. True
46. An IC can function as a computer memory. 46. True
47. An IC can function as a microprocessor. 47. True
48. Digital ICs operate over a continuous range of signal amplitudes. 48. False
49. Digital ICs are used in computers. 49. True
50. Logic ICs are usually supplied in plastic DIL (dual in line) packages. 50. True
51. Logic ICs contain several logic gates of the same type. 51. True
52. Boolean algebra is also called Binary algebra 52. True
53. Boolean algebra is also called Logical algebra. 53. True
54. Boolean algebra gives a more compact way to describe a combinational logic circuit than 54. True
truth tables alone.
55. The commutative law is not the same for Boolean algebra and ordinary algebra. 55. False
56. The associative law is not the same for Boolean algebra and ordinary algebra. 56. False
57. The distributive law is not the same for Boolean algebra and ordinary algebra. 57. False
58. De Morgan’s laws describe how inverting the inputs to a gate, changes the gate’s function. 58. True
59. The complement of two or more ANDed variables is equivalent to the OR of the 59. True
complements of the individual variables.
60. The complement of two or more ORed variables is equivalent to the AND of the 60. True
complements of the individual variables.
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 3

61. The input signals are processed within the electronic circuits for transmission. 61. True
62. The transmitted coded data are decoded by the receiver. 62. True
63. The microphone is an example of information source. 63. True
64. The computer keyboard is an example of information source. 64. True
65. The messages generated by the source may be voice. 65. True
66. The messages generated by the source may be audio. 66. True
67. The messages generated by the source may be video. 67. True
68. The messages generated by the source may be data. 68. True
69. Noise can be prevented. 69. False
70. Noise cannot be minimized. 70. False
71. Digital signals are less immune to noise than analog signals. 71. False
72. A sinusoidal signal is continuous in nature. 72. True
73. Digital communication may be point-to-point, or point-to-multipoint. 73. True
74. In digital communication, data can be broken into packets as discrete messages. 74. True
75. In analog communication, data can be broken into packets as discrete messages. 75. False
76. The LED is a transducer. 76. True
77. The LDR is not a transducer. 77. False
78. Modulation permits the transmission to occur at high frequency. 78. True
79. Modulation allows the carrying of the audio signal. 79. True
80. Modulation manipulates the one characteristic of a carrier wave in response to an 80. True
incoming voice, video, or data signal.
81. Frequency modulation is used in radio, telemetry, radar and seismology. 81. True
82. Phase modulation is widely used for transmitting radio waves. 82. False
83. A demodulator may be a computer program in a software defined radio. 83. True
84. A demodulator is an electronic circuit. 84. True
85. The radio signal is coupled to tuning circuit through the inductor. 85. True
86. The tuning circuit contains a variable capacitor. 86. True
87. The tuning circuit selects a particular radio frequency. 87. True
88. The receiving signal of radio receiver contains the rf (radio frequency) component and af 88. True
(audio frequency) component.
89. The rf (radio frequency) component is the carrier. 89. True
90. The af (audio frequency) component is the sound signal. 90. True
91. During each carrier cycle, the diode charges the capacitor in the detection circuit to the 91. True
peak voltage of the particular cycle.
92. Between carrier cycles, the capacitor would discharge through the resistor. 92. True
93. In a radio receiver, the time constant is made greater than the period of the carrier wave. 93. True
4 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

Ch12-Q02: Fill in the blanks.

1. Zener diode is a heavily doped semiconductor _______ diode. 1. pn junction
2. Zener diode makes the current flow in the backward direction when _______ biased. 2. reverse
3. Zener diode operates like the normal diode when in the _______ bias mode. 3. forward
4. A _______ diode allows current to flow in both directions. 4. zener
5. A _______ diode allows current to flow only in one direction. 5. normal
6. In a Zener diode, avalanche breakdown occurs at the junctions which are 6. lightly
being _______ doped.
7. In a Zener diode, avalanche breakdown occurs at the junctions which have 7. wide
_______ depletion layers.
8. In a Zener diode, Zener breakdown occurs at the junctions, which are being 8. heavily
_______ doped.
9. In a Zener diode, Zener breakdown occurs at the junctions, which have 9. narrow
_______ depletion layers.
10. The _______ emits light when a current flows through it. 10. LED
11. A light emitting diode (LED) is known to be one of the best _______ devices. 11. optoelectronic
12. The _______ is a semiconductor light source. 12. LED
13. The LED emits a fairly _______ bandwidth of visible light. 13. narrow
14. The commonly used invisible light for LED is _______ light. 14. infrared
15. A modern light source that requires low voltages is the _______. 15. LED
16. The LEDs are made from exotic semiconductor _______. 16. compounds
17. In an LED, the energy is radiated in the form of _______. 17. light
18. The LEDs do not directly produce _______ light. 18. white
19. The semiconductor material for infra-red LED is _______. 19. GaAs
20. The semiconductor material for red colour or amber colour LED is _______. 20. GaAsP
21. The semiconductor material for yellow colour LED is _______. 21. GaAsP:N
22. The semiconductor material for green colour LED is _______. 22. AlGaP
23. The semiconductor material for blue colour LED is _______. 23. SiC
24. The semiconductor material for white colour LED is _______. 24. GaInN:P
25. LEDs are typically used as ON/OFF _______ lights in electrical appliances. 25. indicator
26. LEDs are used to display _______ in some alarm clocks, radios, and microwave ovens. 26. numbers
27. LEDs are used in very large _______ displays at sporting events and concerts. 27. video
28. A current limiting resistor should be connected in _______ with LED in the 28. series
circuit to protect the LED.
29. The LDR consists of a disc of _______ material on its surface with two electrodes. 29. semiconductor
30. The LDR is also called the _______ sensitive variable resistor. 30. light
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 5

31. The resistance of LDR depends on the _______ of light falling on its surface. 31. intensity
32. In the dim light, the material of the LDR disc has a relatively _______ number 32. small
of free electrons in it.
33. In the dim light, the LDR has _______ electrons to carry electric charge. 33. few
34. In the dim light, the LDR becomes a _______ conductor of electric current. 34. poor
35. The dark resistance of the LDR is in the order of _______. 35. MΩ
36. In the bright light, the LDR has _______ electrons escape from the atoms of 36. more
the semiconductor.
37. In the _______ light, the LDR has more electrons to carry electric charge. 37. bright
38. In the bright light, the LDR becomes a _______ conductor. 38. good
39. The resistance of the LDR in the bright light is in the order of _______. 39. few hundred Ω
40. As the light level increases, the LDR resistance _______. 40. decreases
41. When the LDR is exposed to light, it takes a few _______ to lowers its resistance. 41. milliseconds
42. The LDR take a few _______ to return to its dark resistance after removal of light. 42. seconds
43. A _______ is a semiconductor device that converts light into electrical current. 43. photodiode
44. A photodiode is a _______ device that converts light into electrical current. 44. semiconductor
45. In the photodiode, the current is generated when _______ are absorbed. 45. photons
46. Photodiodes work in _______ biased mode. 46. reverse
47. The current produced in a photodiode is known as _______. 47. photocurrent
48. The magnitude of the photocurrent depends on the _______ of the incident light. 48. intensity
49. The photodiode can be used as a _______ to detect the optical signals. 49. photodetector
50. Dark current flowing through the photodiode is due to the _______ carriers. 50. minority
51. A light dependent resistor (LDR) is a light controlled variable _______. 51. resistor
52. A _______ changes its resistance proportional to a change in temperature. 52. thermistor
53. A _______ can convert changes in temperature into changes in electric current. 53. thermistor
54. A thermistor contains _______ metallic oxides whose resistance decreases 54. semiconducting
when the temperature rises.
55. The most commonly used thermistor is the _______ thermistor. 55. NTC
56. The NTC’s resistance _______ as the temperature increases, and vice versa. 56. decreases
57. In the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistor, the resistance 57. increases
_______ as the temperature increases.
58. _______ are a state of matter, which has the properties between those of 58. Liquid crystals
conventional liquids and those of solid crystals.
59. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a _______ display. 59. flat-panel
60. An LCD is an electronically modulated optical device that uses the light- 60. polarizers
modulating properties of liquid crystals combined with _______.
6 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

61. Liquid crystals use a _______ or reflector to produce images. 61. backlight
62. In an LCD, pixels are switched ON and OFF _______. 62. electronically
63. A polarizing glass filter is placed in front and behind all the _______ of an LCD. 63. pixels
64. In an LCD, the front filter is placed at _______. 64. 90°
65. The liquid crystals in an LCD produce an image using a _______. 65. backlight
66. Digital electronic circuits are usually made from large assemblies of _______. 66. logic gates
67. Complex electronic devices may have simple electronic representations of 67. Boolean
_______ logic functions.
68. An integrated circuit is also called a _______ or microchip. 68. chip
69. A particular IC is categorized as either linear analog, or digital, depending on 69. application
its intended _______.
70. ICs are of linear, digital and _______ types. 70. mixed
71. Linear ICs have continuously variable output that depends on the _______ 71. input
signal level.
72. The output signal level of linear IC is a _______ function of the input signal level. 72. linear
73. Digital ICs operate at only a few defined levels or _______. 73. states
74. The fundamental building blocks of digital ICs are _______. 74. logic gates
75. Logic gates work with _______ data. 75. binary
76. Digital data have only two different states, LOW (logic 0) and _______. 76. HIGH (logic 1)
77. The AND gate with inverted output is called _______ gate. 77. NAND
78. The OR gate with inverted output is called _______ gate. 78. NOR
79. The inverted connection (inverted gate) is indicated by a ______. 79. bubble
80. In an XOR gate, the output is _______, if one, and only one, of the inputs is HIGH. 80. HIGH
81. An XOR gate produces a _______ when both inputs are match (the same). 81. 0
82. The _______ gate operator is written as A ⊕ B. 82. XOR
83. The _______ gate is an XOR gate whose output is inverted. 83. XNOR
84. The _______ gate operator is written as A ⊕ B . 84. XNOR

85. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is HIGH only when both inputs are HIGH. 85. AND
86. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is LOW when both inputs are not HIGH. 86. AND
87. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is LOW only when both inputs are HIGH. 87. NAND
88. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is HIGH when both inputs are not HIGH. 88. NAND
89. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is LOW only when both inputs are LOW. 89. OR
90. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is HIGH whenever at least one input is HIGH. 90. OR
91. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is HIGH only when both inputs are LOW. 91. NOR
92. For the 2-input _______ gate, the output is LOW whenever at least one input is HIGH. 92. NOR
93. For the XOR gate, the output is _______ when the two inputs match. 93. LOW
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 7

94. For the XOR gate, the output is _______ when the two inputs do not match. 94. HIGH
95. For the XNOR gate, the output is _______ when the two inputs match. 95. HIGH
96. For the XNOR gate, the output is _______ when the two inputs do not match. 96. LOW
97. For a NOT gate, the output is _______, if the input is LOW. 97. HIGH
98. For a NOT gate, the output is _______, if the input is HIGH. 98. LOW
99. The NOT gate is also known as the _______. 99. inverter
100. Boolean algebra is also called Binary algebra or _______ algebra. 100. Logical
101. Boolean algebra is used to analyze and simplify the _______ circuits. 101. digital (logic)
102. A + 0 = _______ 102. A
103. A + 1 = _______ 103. 1
104. A • 0 = _______ 104. 0
105. A • 1 = _______ 105. A
106. A + A = _______ 106. A
107. A + A = _______ 107. 1
108. A • A = _______ 108. A
109. A • A = _______ 109. 0

110. A = _______ 110. A

111. A + AB = ________ 111. A

112. A + A B = _______ 112. A + B

113. (A + B)(A + C) = _______ 113. A + BC

114. De Morgan’s theorem comprises _______ laws. 114. two
115. Logic gates can be used as _______ in electronic control systems. 115. processors
116. The fire alarm system consists of smoke detector, heat detector and two logic 116. AND
gates (OR gate and _______ gate).
117. Analog signals (human voice) or digital signals (binary data) are inputted to 117. communication
the _______ system.
118. The communication system is claimed to be reliable, and effective only 118. errors
_______ are minimized within the process.
119. An information source generates _______ messages or data to be transmitted. 119. information
120. The measure of noise is usually expressed in terms of _______. 120. SNR (signal to noise ratio)
121. The _______ accepts the transmitted message from the channel, and converts 121. receiver
to a form understandable by humans.
122. In _______ mode, communication takes place over a link between a single 122. point-to-point
transmitter and a receiver.
123. Telephony is an example of _______ communication. 123. point-to-point
8 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

124. In the _______ mode, there are a large number of receivers corresponding to 124. broadcast
a single transmitter.
125. Radio and television are examples of the _______ mode of communication. 125. broadcast
126. The analog communication is the process of conveying of information by 126. analog
using _______ signals.
127. In the analog communication, the data is transferred with the help of the 127. analog
_______ signal.
128. The analog communication uses an _______ signal. 128. analog
129. The analog signal varies in amplitude, phase, or some other property with _______. 129. time
130. The sinusoidal signal has continuous amplitude with continuous _______. 130. time
131. There are many types of digital communication, commonly referred to as 131. channels
digital communication _______.
132. Transfer of data in digital communication occurs in the form of digital 132. bit
_______ stream.
133. With the _______ communication, transmission errors can be detected, and corrected. 133. digital
134. In _______ communication, there is a physical connection between the source 134. line
and the destination.
135. The wired connections between the two points are known as _______ lines. 135. transmission
136. The simplest space communications rely on a transmitter and a _______. 136. receiver
137. A transmitter encodes a message onto _______ waves through modulation. 137. electromagnetic
138. The _______ process changes properties of the wave to represent the data. 138. modulation
139. The electromagnetic waves flow through _______ toward the receiver. 139. space
140. A _______ is a device for converting a non-electrical input into an electrical 140. transducer
signal, or vice versa.
141. In general, a _______ is a device that transforms a signal from one energy 141. transducer
form to another energy form.
142. The process of converting energy from one form to another is _______. 142. transduction
143. A transducer contains the _______ element and the transduction element. 143. sensing
144. The sensing element is called the _______. 144. sensor
145. The _______ is a device, which produces a measurable response due to a 145. sensor
change in physical conditions.
146. The process of changing some characteristics of a carrier wave in accordance 146. modulation
with the intensity of the signal is known as _______.
147. The modulated carrier wave contains the _______ signal. 147. audio
148. In modulation, the sound wave is electrically impressed on an _______ wave. 148. electromagnetic
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 9

149. _______ is the process of manipulating the amplitude, the frequency, or the 149. Modulation
phase of a carrier wave in response to an incoming voice, video, or data signal.
150. When the amplitude of a high frequency carrier wave is changed in accordance 150. amplitude
with the intensity of the signal, it is called the _______ modulation.
151. In the _______ modulation, only the amplitude of the carrier wave is changed. 151. amplitude
152. In amplitude modulation, the amplitude of the carrier wave is changed in 152. intensity
accordance with the _______ of the signal.
153. In amplitude modulation, the _______ of the modulated wave remains the same. 153. frequency
154. When the frequency of the carrier wave is changed in accordance with the 154. frequency
intensity of the signal, it is called the _______ modulation.
155. In the frequency modulation, only the _______ of the carrier wave is changed. 155. frequency
156. In the frequency modulation, the frequency of the carrier wave is changed in 156. amplitude
accordance with the _______ of the signal.
157. In the frequency modulation, the _______ of the modulated wave remains the same. 157. amplitude
158. The frequency variations of the carrier wave depend upon the instantaneous 158. amplitude
_______ of the signal.
159. The phase modulation is a modulation pattern that encodes information as 159. phase
variations in the instantaneous _______ of a carrier wave.
160. _______ modulation is used for signal and waveform generation in digital 160. Phase
synthesizers.
161. In FM, the _______ of the carrier wave remains constant with modulation. 161. amplitude
162. In AM, the _______ of the carrier wave changes with modulation. 162. amplitude
163. In FM, the carrier _______ changes according to the strength of the modulating signal. 163. frequency
164. In AM, the carrier _______ changes according to the strength of the modulating signal. 164. amplitude
165. In FM, the carrier _______ changes with modulation. 165. frequency
166. In AM, the carrier _______ remains constant with modulation. 166. frequency
167. FM radio ranges in a higher spectrum _______ MHz. 167. from 88 to 108
168. AM radio ranges _______ kHz. 168. from 535 to 1705
169. FM radio ranges _______ bits per second. 169. 1200 to 2400
170. AM radio ranges up to _______ bits per second. 170. 1200
171. The process of recovering the audio signal from the modulated wave is known 171. demodulation
as _______ or detection.
172. At the _______ station, modulation is done. 172. broadcasting
173. The modulation is done to transmit the audio signal over longer distances to a _______. 173. receiver
174. When the modulated wave is picked up by the radio _______, it is necessary 174. receiver
to recover the audio signal from it.
10 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

175. The recovering of the audio signal from the carrier wave is called _______. 175. demodulation
176. A _______ recovers the information content from the modulated carrier wave. 176. demodulator
177. The radio receiver comprises roughly _______ pieces. 177. six
178. The receiving _______ picks up the radio signals. 178. antenna
179. The rf amplifier amplifies the _______ frequency signal. 179. radio
180. The af amplifier amplifies the _______ frequency signal. 180. audio
181. The demodulated af signal is converted back into sound by a _______. 181. speaker

Ch12-Q03: Choose the correct answer.

1. A + 0 = ________. (A) A (B) 1 (C) 0 1. A
2. A + 1 = ________. (A) A (B) 1 (C) 0 2. B
3. A + A = ________. (A) A (B) 1 (C) 0 3. A
4. A + A = ________. (A) A (B) 1 (C) 0 4. B
5. A • 1 = ________. (A) A (B) 1 (C) 0 5. A
6. A • A = ________. (A) A (B) 1 (C) 0 6. A
7. A • A = ________. (A) A (B) 1 (C) 0 7. C
8. An active electrical component is _______. 8. B
(A. capacitor B. vacuum tube C. resistor)
9. A passive electrical component is _______. 9. A
(A. capacitor B. transistor C. triode)
10. The _______ can be used as a photodetector to detect the optical signals. 10. B
(A. LED B. photodiode C. thermistor)
11. The resistance of an LDR _______ with increasing light intensity. 11. A
(A. decreases B. increases C. does not change)
12. Radio can be used to transmit _______ over long distance. 12. B
(A. videos B. sounds C. text message)
13. The one which is not an FM frequency is _______. 13. B
(A. 87.9 MHz B. 550 kHz C. 100 MHz)
14. The one which can be used as smoke detector is _______. 14. B
(A. LED B. LDR C. thermistor)
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 11

Ch12-Q04: Short Questions.

1. Q: Express some electronic appliances.
A: Televisions, radios, computers, mobile phones, laptops, and DVD players.
2. Q: Express some products of electric components.
A: Hearing aids, pacemakers, blood pressure monitor, oximeter and various medical instruments,
microwave ovens, refrigerators, washing machines and other kitchen appliances, automatic vehicles,
robotics, etc.
3. Q: Define electronics.
A: The branch of physics and technology concerned with the design of circuits using transistors,
integrated circuits and microchips, and also with the behaviour and movement of electrons in a
semiconductor, conductor or vacuum is known as electronics.
4. Q: List some active electrical components.
A: Vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes, ICs (Integrated Circuits), TRIACs (Three terminal AC switches),
SCRs (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers), LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), etc.
5. Q: List some passive electrical components.
A: Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, LDR, transducer, etc.
6. Q: What is a zener diode?
A: Zener diode is a heavily doped semiconductor pn junction diode.
7. Q: Explain zener effect.
A: When the voltage across the terminals of a zener diode is reversed, and the potential reaches the
zener voltage (VZ) (breakdown voltage or knee voltage), the junction breaks down, and the current
flows in the reverse direction. This effect is known as the zener effect.
8. Q: What is the main difference between a zener diode and a normal diode?
A: A zener diode allows current to flow in both directions.
9. Q: How many types of reverse breakdown regions are there in a zener diode?
A: There are two types of reverse breakdown regions in a zener diode: (i) avalanche breakdown, and
(ii) zener breakdown.
10. Q: Where does avalanche breakdown occur in a Zener diode?
A: Avalanche breakdown occurs at the junctions, which are being lightly doped, and which have wide
depletion layers.
11. Q: Where does zener breakdown occur in a Zener diode?
A: Zener breakdown occurs at the junctions, which are being heavily doped, and which have narrow
depletion layers.
12. Q: Express some uses of Zener diode.
A: Zener diodes are suitable for voltage regulation as reference elements, surge suppressors, and in
switching applications and clipper circuits.
12 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

13. Q: What is an LED?

A: An LED is a semiconductor light source that emits light when a current flows through it.
14. Q: When does an LED emits light?
A: When its internal diode junction attains a forward-biased current or voltage.
15. Q: What are the visible lights that an LED emits?
A: The visible lights that an LED emits are usually orange, red, yellow, or green.

16. Q: Express some semiconductor compounds used to make LED.

A: Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Gallium Phosphide (GaP), Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (GaAsP),
Silicon Carbide (SiC), or Gallium Indium Nitride (GaInN), all mixed together at different ratios to
produce a distinct wavelength of colour.
17. Q: How is white light produced by LED?
A: Using a blue LED with a phosphor coating to convert the blue light to the white light by a process
called fluorescence.
18. Q: Express the advantages of LED.
A: Very low voltage (1 to 2 V) and current (5 to 20 mA) are enough to drive the LED.
Less power consumption (less than 150 mW).
Fast action and no warmup time. (The response time is about 10 ns)
Miniature in size and hence lightweight.
Long life span and ruggedness.
More reliable, more efficient to use under cold temperature.
19. Q: Express the disadvantages of LED.
A: A slight excess in voltage or current can damage the device.
The device is known to have a much wider bandwidth (wavelength spread) compared to the laser.
The device temperature depends on the radiant output power and wavelength.
Little effective in wide-area.
20. Q: (1) Where are LEDs used? [p. 201]
A: 1. LEDs are typically used as ON/OFF indicator lights in electrical appliances such as televisions,
VCR (video cassette recorder), video cameras, computers, and stereos.
2. They are also used to display numbers in some alarm clocks, radios, and microwave ovens.
3. Another use is very large video displays at sporting events and concerts.
21. Q: (2) Describe some applications of LEDs. [p. 201]
A: 1. LEDs are typically used as ON/OFF indicator lights in electrical appliances such as televisions,
VCR (video cassette recorder), video cameras, computers, and stereos.
2. They are also used to display numbers in some alarm clocks, radios, and microwave ovens.
3. Another use is very large video displays at sporting events and concerts.
22. Q: What is a photodiode?
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 13

A: A photodiode is a semiconductor device that converts light into electrical current.

23. Q: How are the electron-hole pairs produced in the photodiode?
A: When the photodiode is illuminated with light (photons) of energy hv greater than the energy gap
Eg of the semiconductor (hν > Eg), then electron-hole pairs are generated due to the absorption of
photons.
24. Q: Where are photodiodes used?
A: Photodiodes are used as photosensors in [remote-controlled devices, such as] compact disc (CD)
players, televisions, air conditioners and many other electronics devices.
Photodiodes can also be used for light measurement in light meters and to respond light levels, and
in switching on street lightning after dark.
25. Q: What is photocurrent?
A: Photocurrent is an electric current produced by electromagnetic radiation in the photoelectric effect,
photovoltaic effect or photoconductivity.
26. Q: Explain the function of a photodiode. [p. 202]
A: When the photodiode is illuminated with light (photons) of energy hv greater than the energy gap
Eg of the semiconductor used in it, then electron-hole pairs are generated due to absorption of
photons.
When an external load is connected, the current flows.
27. Q: What are used to make photo resistors?
A: Special semiconductor crystal, such as cadmium sulfide, or lead sulfide is used to make photo
resistors.
28. Q: How and where are LDRs used?
A: The LDRs are used as light activated relay switches (to trip a relay whenever the light intensity
changes) in burglar alarm, alarm clock, light intensity meters, etc.
29. Q: (1) What effect does an increase in light intensity on LDR have on its resistance? [p. 203]
A: Increase in light intensity on the LDR decreases the resistance of the LDR.
30. Q: Which electrical component is used to switch ON or OFF the street lamps depending on the brightness
of the street? [p. 220]
(i) LED (ii) LDR (iii) thermistor
A: (ii) LDR.
31. Q: What is a thermistor?
A: A thermistor is a temperature sensor that exhibits a large change in resistance proportional to a
change in temperature.
32. Q: How many types of thermistors are there? Express them.
A: There are two types of thermistors. Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor and
Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) thermistor.
14 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

33. Q: What is the most commonly used thermistor?

A: The most commonly used thermistor is the Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor.
34. Q: What is thermistor? What is the main difference between NTC and PTC thermistor? [p. 203]
A: A thermistor is a temperature sensor that exhibits a large change in resistance proportional to a
change in temperature.
As temperature increases, the resistance of the NTC thermistor decreases whereas the resistance of
the PTC thermistor increases.
35. Q: A student uses the sensor in the circuit shown in
+3 V
figure. The LED lights up when the temperature
1400 Ω
reaches 40 °C. Name a suitable temperature
sensor and draw its circuit symbol. [p. 220]

sensor

0V

A: The temperature sensor is the thermistor.

The circuit symbol is shown on the right.

Figure Circuit symbol of thermistor

36. Q: Where can LCDS be found?
A: LCDs can be commonly found in smartphones, televisions, computer monitors and instrument
panels.
37. Q: What is a polarizer?
A: A polarizer is an optical device that can convert an unpolarized light wave into a polarized light
wave by blocking all other vibrations.
38. Q: What is the disadvantage of LCD displays? [p. 205]
A: Liquid crystals do not emit light directly, instead using a backlight or reflector to produce images.
A polarizing glass filter is needed.
Loss of contrast in high temperature.
Produces heat, and consumes much electrical energy.
Limited viewing angle.
39. Q: What is digital electronics?
A: Digital electronics is a field of electronics involving the study of digital signals, and the engineering
of devices that use or produce them.
40. Q: What is an advantage of digital circuits when compared to analog circuits?
A: An advantage of digital circuits when compared to analog circuits is that signals represented digitally
can be transmitted without degradation caused by noise.
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 15

41. Q: Express some devices using digital electronics.

A: Computers, laptops, televisions, remote controls, and other entertainment systems, or kitchen
appliances like dishwashers, and washing machines.
42. Q: What is an IC in electronics?
A: An IC (integrated circuit), sometimes called a chip or microchip, is a semiconductor wafer on which
thousand4s or millions of tiny resistors, capacitors and transistors are fabricated.
43. Q: How can an IC function?
A: An IC can function as an amplifier, oscillator, timer, counter, computer memory, or microprocessor.
44. Q: How are linear ICs used?
A: Linear ICs are used as af (audio frequency) and rf (radio frequency) amplifiers.
45. Q: Where are digital ICs used?
A: Digital ICs are used in computers, computer networks, modems and frequency counters.
46. Q: How many types of logic package are there? Express them.
A: There are two common types of package available, known as TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic),
and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).
47. Q: What do you understand by Boolean algebra?
A: Boolean algebra is a branch of mathematics where variables can have only two possible values: false
and true, or logic values 0 and 1.
48. Q: What are the basic operations in Boolean algebra?
A: The basic operations in Boolean algebra are AND, OR, and NOT.
49. Q: Express the commutative law of addition for Boolean algebra in equation, and in symbols.
A: commutative law of addition
A A+B B A+B
A+B=B+A B A

50. Q: Express the commutative law of multiplication for Boolean algebra in equation, and in symbols.
A: commutative law of multiplication B
A AB AB
AB = BA B A

51. Q: Express the associative law of addition for Boolean algebra in equation, and in symbols.
A: associative law of addition A + (B + C) = (A + B ) + C

A A A
A + (B + C) A+B (A + B ) + C
B B
C B+C C

52. Q: Express the associative law of multiplication for Boolean algebra in equation, and in symbols.
A: associative law of multiplication A (B C) = (A B ) C
16 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

A A A
A (B C ) AB (A B ) C
B B
C BC C

53. Q: Express the distributive law for Boolean algebra in equation, and in symbols.
A: distributive law A (B + C) = AB + AC

A A
A (B + C) A AB (AB + AC)
B B
C B+C AC
C
54. Q: Verify A + 0 = A using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A + 0 = A A + 0 = A
A= 0 X= 0 A= 1 X= 1
0 + 0 = 0
0 X= A 0 X= A
1 + 0 = 1
55. Q: Verify A + 1 = 1 using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A + 1 = 1 A + 1 = 1
A= 0 X= 1 A= 1 X= 1
0 + 1 = 1
1 X= 1 1 X= 1
1 + 1 = 1
56. Q: Verify A • 0 = 0 using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A • 0 = 0 A • 0 = 0
A= 0 X= 0 A= 1 X= 0
0 • 0 = 0
0 X= 0 0 X= 0
1 • 0 = 0
57. Q: Verify A • 1 = A using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A • 1 = A A • 1 = A
A= 0 X= 0 A= 1 X= 1
0 • 1 = 0
1 • 1 = 1 1 X= A 1 X= A
58. Q: Verify A + A = A using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A + A = A A + A = A
A= 0 X= 0 A= 1 X= 1
0 + 0 = 0
A= 0 X= A A= 1 X= A
1 + 1 = 1
59. Q: Verify A + A = 1 using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A + A = 1 A + A = 1
A= 0 X= 1 A= 1 X= 1
0 + 1 = 1
A= 1 X= 1 A= 0 X= 1
1 + 0 = 1
60. Q: Verify A • A = A using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A • A = A A • A = A
A= 0 X= 0 A= 1 X= 1
0 • 0 = 0
A= 0 X= A A= 1 X= A
1 • 1 = 1
61. Q: Verify A • A = 0 using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.

A: A • A = 0
A• A =0 A= 0 X= 0 A= 1 X= 0
0 • 1 = 0
A= 1 X= 0 A= 0 X= 0
1 • 0 = 0
62. Q: Verify A = A using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 17

A: A A A
A =A A= 0 A= 1 A= 0 A= 1 A= 0 A= 1
0 1 0
A= A A= A
1 0 1
63. Q: Verify A + AB = A using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.
A: A + AB = A A + AB = A(1 + B) = A(1) = A

A A + AB

B AB

A
straight line
equal
64. Q: Verify A + A B = A + B using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.

A: A + A B = A + B
A A + AB
A
B AB
A
A A+B
equal B

65. Q: Verify (A + B)(A + C) = A + BC using TRUTH table, and circuit symbols.

A: A B C
A A+B

B (A+B) (A+C)
A
A+C
C

A A + BC
B
equal C BC

66. Q: Check the following logic system carefully and then construct the truth table that follows. [p. 210]
A: A B Q = BC
C C= A
A Q 0 0 1 0
B 0 1 1 1
1 0 0 0
1 1 0 0
67. Q: Check the following logic system carefully and then construct the truth table that follows. [p. 211]
18 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

A:
A Q A B C F= B G = FC Q = A+G
0 0 0 1 0 1
B F G 0 0 1 1 1 0
0 1 0 0 0 1
C
0 1 1 0 0 1
1 0 0 1 0 0
1 0 1 1 1 0
1 1 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 0 0 0
68. Q: Simplify the expression AB + A(B + C) + C(B + C) and draw the equivalent gate diagram. [p. 211]
A: Q = AB + A(B + C) + C(B + C) = AB + AB + AC + BC + CC (Distributive law)
= AB + AB + AC + BC + C (CC = C)
= AB + AC + BC +C (AB + AB = AB)
= AB + AC + BC (BC + BC = BC)
= A (B + C) + BC (Distributive law)

A AB

Q B Q
A(B+C)
A
B (B+C) B(B+C) C
C

A B C
A
AB
B
A
Q B Q
A(B+C)
(B+C)
A
(B+C) B(B+C) C
B

69. Q: Simplify the following expressions if possible: [p. 221]

(i) A + AC + A B C (ii) ( A + C) B + ABC

A: (i) A + AB + A B C = A(1 + B + B C) (Distributive law)
= A(1) (1+X) = 1
= A (A • 1) = A

(ii) ( A + B) C + ABC = A C + BC + ABC (Distributive law)

= A C + BC (1 + A) (Distributive law)

= A C + BC (1) (1+X) = 1

= A C + BC (BC • 1) = BC

70. Q: Draw the logic circuit represented by each of the following expressions: [p. 221]
(i) A + B + C (ii) ABC (iii) AB + C (iv) AB + CD
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 19

A: A A
B Q Q
B
C C
(i) Q = A + B + C (ii) Q = ABC

A AB
A AB B Q
Q
B C
C D CD
(iii) Q = AB + C (iv) Q = AB + CD
71. Q: Construct a truth table for each of the followings: [p. 221]
(i) Q = AB + AC (ii) Q = A(B + C) (iii) Q = (A + C)(B + C )
A: (i) Q = AB + BC (ii) Q = (A + B) C (iii) Q = (A + B)( B +C)
A B C AB BC Q A B C A+B Q A B C B A+B B +C Q
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1
1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1
72. Q: Using NAND gates, construct an XOR gate. [p. 212]
A: A C F=
E A B C = A D = B E = BC Z = EF
B Z AD
A 0 0 1 1 1 1 0
B 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
F
D 1 0 0 1 1 0 1
1 1 0 0 1 1 0
The circuit is equivalent to XOR gate.
73. Q: (3) For the circuit below, write the value of Z as a Boolean expression, using A and B. [p. 212]
A
Z
B

A: Z= A + B
74. Q: In the giving table, P, Q, R and S are the outputs of four logic gates. Name the logic gate, which
represents each output. [p. 220]
output
input
P Q R S
0 0 0 0 1 1
0 1 0 1 1 0
1 0 0 1 1 0
1 1 1 1 0 0
20 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

A: The logic gate which represents the output P is the AND gate.
The logic gate which represents the output Q is the OR gate.
The logic gate which represents the output R is the NAND gate.
The logic gate which represents the output S is the NOR gate.
75. Q: Develop an OR gate, using two NOT gates and one NAND gate.
A: A B Q = CD
C= A D= B
A C 0 0 1 1 0
Q
0 1 1 0 1
B D 1 0 0 1 1
1 1 0 0 1
The output is an OR gate output.
Figure 12.13 The sample circuit diagram to deduce the logical output and the truth table
76. Q: Express De Morgan’s laws in equations and in logic symbols.
A: (i) AB = A + B

A C
A AB A+B
B B D
AB = A + B

Input Output
A B C= A D= B AB A+B
0 0 1 1 1 1
0 1 1 0 1 1
1 0 0 1 1 1
1 1 0 0 0 0

(ii) A + B = AB

A C
A A+B A•B
B B D
A+B=A•B

Input Output
A B C= A D= B A+ B A • B
0 0 1 1 1 1
0 1 1 0 0 0
1 0 0 1 0 0
1 1 0 0 0 0
77. Q: Apply De Morgan’s theorems to the expression XYZ and X + Y + Z . [p. 211]

A: XYZ = X + Y + Z

X +Y + Z =X Y Z
78. Q: Find the value of X for all possible values of variables. [p. 211]
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 21

(i) X = (A + B) C + B (ii) X = ( A + B ) C (iii) X = A B C + AB

A: (i) X = (A + B) C + B
= AC + BC + B (Distributive law)
= AC + B (BC + B) = B

(ii) X = ( A + B) C

= ( A  B )C De Morgan’ Theorem

= A B • C

(iii) X = A B C + AB

= A( B C + B) (Distributive law)

= A(C + B) BC+B=C+B
79. Q: Apply De Morgan’s theorems to the expression B C  D and A + B + C + D . [p. 221]

A: ABC = ABC

A+ B +=
C + D A B=
C D ABCD
80. Q: Using a smoke detector, and a heat detector, construct a fire alarm system.
A: The fire alarm will turn on when either smoke or heat is detected. If both smoke and heat are detected,
the fire extinguisher will also be set to operate.
A B P=A+B Q = AB
Smoke detector A P 0 0 0 0
Alarm
Heat detector B 0 1 1 0
Q
Extinguisher 1 0 1 0
1 1 1 1
81. Q: Construct a logic system which allows the street lights either to be turned on manually by a switch
at any time or automatically by a light sensor when it is dark.
A: Switch Light Sensor Street Light
Switch
OFF = 0, ON = 1 0 0 1
Street Light
0 1 0
Light sensor
1 0 1
Dark = 0, Bright = 1
1 1 1
82. Q: State the names of the two types of logic gate used in the following figure. Explain what happens to
the output of the three logic gates when (i) it is cold (0) and dark (0), (ii) it is cold (0) and bright (1).
[p. 211]
22 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

Heat sensor A C Q Relay and

Light sensor B D heater

A: The two types of logic gate used in the circuit are NOT gate (2 NOT A B C = A D=B Q = CD
gates), and AND gate (1 AND gate). 00 1 1 1
(i) The output of cold (0) and dark (0) is relay and heater ON (1). 01 1 0 0
(i) The output of cold (0) and bright (1) is relay and heater OFF (0). 1 0 0 1 0
11 0 0 0
83. Q: A car may be fitted with an automatic parking
Light dark = 0 light
parking light which switches ON when the sensor light = 1
car is parked at night. Figure shows an ON/OFF OFF = 0
incomplete system for a parking light. Copy switch ON = 1
and complete the figure to show how a NOT
gate can be used to make the parking light
work. Use the correct symbol for a NOT
gate. [p. 220]
A: Light ON/OFF C = A parking dark = 0/ light = 1 parking
sensor A switch B light Light A light
Q = BC sensor C
Q
0 0 1 0 B
ON/OFF
0 1 1 1
switch
1 0 0 0
OFF = 0/ ON = 1
1 1 0 0

84. Q: Figure shows a control system which may be fitted in an automatic washing machine. What conditions
will (i) start (ii) stop the washing machine working? [p. 220]
OFF = 0
Power OFF = 0
ON = 1
ON = 1
switch
OPEN = 0 Washing
Door CLOSED = 1 machine
switch motor
EMPTY = 0
Water level FULL = 1
switch

A: OFF = 0
Power ON = 1 OFF = 0
ON = 1
switch
A
OPEN = 0 Q Washing
Door CLOSED = 1 D machine
switch motor
B
C
EMPTY = 0
Water level FULL = 1
switch
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 23

Power Door Water level D = BC Washing machine

switch A switch B switch C motor Q = AD
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0
0 1 0 0 0
0 1 1 1 0
1 0 0 0 0
1 0 1 0 0
1 1 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1
The washing machine will start working when the washing machine motor is ON(1) because of the
power switch is ON(1), AND the door switch is CLOSED(1), AND the water level switch is
FULL(1).
The washing machine will stop working when the washing machine motor is OFF (0) because of
the power switch is OFF(0), OR the door switch is OPEN(0), OR the water level switch is
EMPTY(0).
85. Q: What is an electronic communication system composed of?
A: An electronic communication system is composed of the transmission, reception, and processing of
information between two or more locations with the use of electronic circuits.
86. Q: What are the basic components of an electronic communication system?
A: The basic components of an electronic communication system are the transmitter, the
communication channel or the medium, the receiver, and noise (as a source of disturbance).
87. Q: Give examples of electronic communication system.
A: Internet, public switched telephone network, intranet and extranet, smart home systems, and
television.
88. Q: What is information source?
A: It is a device that generates information (messages or data) to be transmitted.
89. Q: What is a transmitter?
A: It is the arrangement that processes the message signal into an appropriate form for the transmission
and subsequent reception.
90. Q: What is a channel in commination system?
A: It is the medium that connects transmitter and receiver to convey the information.
91. Q: What are the channels in commination system?
A: Depending upon the type of communication system, a channel may be copper wires, coaxial cable,
optical fibre, radio links, satellite channel or combination of any of these.
92. Q: What is noise in commination system?
A: Noise is an unwanted signal that disturbs, or interferes, and affects the transmitted signal.
93. Q: How is the external noise minimized?
24 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

A: The external noise is often minimized and eliminated by the appropriate design of the channel,
shielding of cables.
94. Q: What is the receiver in communication system?
A: The receiver is to reconstruct the transmitted signal, and delivers it to the destination called user of
information.
95. Q: What do receivers contain?
A: The receivers contain amplifier, oscillators, mixers, tuned circuits, filters, and a demodulator
(detector).
96. Q: How many basic modes of communication are there?
A: There are two basic modes of communication: point-to-point and broadcast.
97. Q: What do you understand by analog communication?
A: The analog communication is the process of conveying (sending, receiving, and processing) of
information including image, voice, and video by using analog signals.
98. Q: Give some examples of digital communication channels.
A: Email, phone calls, video conferencing, and many types of instant messaging like short message
service (SMS), and web chats.
99. Q: What are the wires that are most popular for the wired communication?
A: Co-axial, parallel wire lines, twisted pair cables and optical fibre.
100 Q: What are the two things the simplest space communications rely on?
A: A transmitter and a receiver.
101 Q: What is a transducer?
A: A transducer is a device for converting a non-electrical input into an electrical signal, or vice versa.
102 Q: Give some common examples of transducers.
A: Some common examples of transducers include loudspeakers, microphones, oximeter,
thermometers, LEDs, and antenna.
103 Q: What is transduction?
A: The process of converting energy from one form to another is known as transduction.
104 Q: How many parts does a transducer contain?
A: A transducer contains two parts, the sensing element, and the transduction element.
105 Q: What is a sensor?
A: The sensor is a device, which produces a measurable response due to a change in physical
conditions.
106 Q: What do you understand by modulation?
A: The process of changing some characteristics (e.g. amplitude, frequency or phase) of a carrier wave
(e.g. radio wave) in accordance with the intensity of the signal is known as modulation.
107 Q: How many types of modulation are there? Name them.
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 25

A: There are three basic types of modulation: (i) Amplitude modulation (AM), (ii) Frequency
modulation (FM), and (iii) Phase modulation (PM).
108 Q: Define amplitude modulation.
A: When the amplitude of a high frequency carrier wave is changed in accordance with the intensity of the
signal, it is called the amplitude modulation.
109 Q: Where is amplitude modulation used?
A: It is commonly used to transmit information in portable two-way radios, VHF (Very High
Frequency), aircraft radios, and in computer modems.
110 Q: Define frequency modulation.
A: When the frequency of the carrier wave is changed in accordance with the intensity of the signal, it
is called the frequency modulation (FM).
111 Q: Where is FM used?
A: FM is widely used for broadcasting music and speech, two-way radio systems, magnetic tape-
recording systems, and some video-transmission systems.
112 Q: Define phase modulation.
A: The phase modulation is a modulation pattern that encodes information as variations in the
instantaneous phase of a carrier wave.
113 Q: Where is phase modulation used?
A: It can be used for radio signals in a variety of radio communication applications.
114 Q: Define demodulation.
A: The process of recovering the audio signal from the modulated wave is known as demodulation or
detection.
115 Q: Define demodulator.
A: A demodulator is an electronic circuit (or computer program in a software defined radio) that is used
to recover the information content from the modulated carrier wave.
116 Q: Express the parts of a radio receiver.
A: They are antenna, tuner, rf (radio frequency) amplifier, diode detector, af (audio frequency)
amplifier, and speaker.
117 Q: What are the differences between FM and AM? Explain with illustrative diagrams. [p. 221]
A: The comparison of frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM)
FM AM
(i) The amplitude of carrier wave remains (i) The amplitude of carrier wave changes
constant with modulation. with modulation.
(ii) The carrier frequency changes according (ii) The carrier amplitude changes according
to the strength of the modulating signal. to the strength of the modulating signal.
(iii) The carrier frequency changes with (iii) The carrier frequency remains constant
modulation. with modulation.
26 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

(iv) FM radio ranges in a higher spectrum (iv) AM radio ranges from 535 to 1705 kHz
from 88 to 108 MHz. (or) 1200 to 2400 bits (or) up to 1200 bits per second.
per second.

(a) carrier wave (b) sound wave (c) AM wave

Figure Unmodulated carrier wave, sound wave, and AM wave

carrier wave signal wave

output FM wave

Figure Frequency modulated signal

118 Q: (1) Give a short note on communication system. [p. 219]

A: In general, an electronic communication system is composed of the transmission, reception, and
processing of information between two or more locations with the use of electronic circuits.
The basic components of an electronic communication system are the transmitter, communication
channel or medium, receiver, and noise (as a source of disturbance).

Communication system

Information Message Transmitted Received Message Use of

Transmitter Channel Receiver Information
Source signal signal signal signal

Voice, Audio, Music, Video, Data

(text, image, email, ...) Noise

Figure Block diagram of general electronic communication system

119 Q: (2) Write short notes on the components of a simple radio receiver. [p. 219]
A: The radio receiver comprises roughly six pieces.
They are antenna, tuner, rf (radio frequency) amplifier, diode detector, af (audio frequency)
amplifier and speaker.
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 27

antenna

tuner rf amplifier detector af amplifier speaker

Figure Block diagram of a simple radio receiver

120 Q: Can sound travel very far? Why? Which device can be used to transmit sounds over long distance? What
range of frequencies do the radio waves have? [p. 221]
A: No.
In air sound waves travel 1/5 mi per second or 320 m/s and are readily damped or attenuated. Thus
sound waves themselves will not travel very far.
Radio can be used to transmit sounds over long distance.
The radio waves have frequency in kilohertz (kHz) and megahertz (MHz) ranges well above the
audible frequencies.
121 Q: What is meant by “AM and FM”? [p. 221]
A: AM means Amplitude modulation, and FM means Frequency modulation.
When the amplitude of high frequency carrier wave is changed in accordance with the intensity of the
signal, it is called amplitude modulation.
When the frequency of carrier wave is changed in accordance with the intensity of the signal, it is
called frequency modulation (FM).
122 Q:
A:
123 Q:
A:
28 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

Ch12-Q05: Drawings.
1. Q: Draw Zener diode circuit symbol.
A:
anode cathode

Figure: Zener diode circuit symbol

2. Q: Draw characteristic of Zener diode showing two brake downs.

A:
+IF

forward current (mA)

-VR reverse bias +VF

forward bias
reverse current (mA)

knee

-IR
Figure: Characteristic of Zener diode showing two brake downs

3. Q: Draw characteristic of Zener diode.

Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 29

A: +IF
forward
current
forward
bias
region

-VZ
reverse bias
-VR forward bias +VF
IZ (min)
VF
zener 0.3 – 0.7 V
breakdown
region
reverse
current
IZ (max)
constant
zener voltage -IR
Figure 12.1 (d) Characteristic of Zener diode

4. Q: Draw the circuit symbol for LED.

A:

+ −
anode cathode

Figure 12.3 The circuit symbol for LED

(Two arrows symbol indicates the
emission of radiation from the diode.)

5. Q: Draw simple LED indicator circuit.

A: VS
current
limiting I VR
resistor R

LED VF
0V
Figure: Simple LED indicator circuit

6. Q: Draw photodiode circuit symbol.

A:

Figure: Photodiode circuit symbol

7. Q: Draw simple circuit diagram of photodiode and its characteristics curve.

30 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

A: current (µA)
800

600

400
reverse
I 200
current
Illuminance (lux)
− +
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Figure: Simple circuit diagram of photodiode and its characteristics curve

8. Q: Draw circuit symbol of light dependent resistor (LDR).

A:

(OR)

Figure: Circuit symbol of light dependent resistor (LDR)

9. Q: Draw Thermistor circuit symbol and its characteristics.

A:
Resistance R (Ω)

NTC
PTC

+t° -t°
PTC NTC Temperature T (°C)
Figure: Thermistor circuit symbol and its characteristics

10. Q: Draw logic gate symbols.

A:
A AB A A+B A A⊕B A
B B B A
AND Gate OR Gate XOR Gate NOT Gate
Dr Vince Dr Vince

Dr Vince Dr Vince

A AB A A+B A A⊕B
B B B
NAND Gate NOR Gate XNOR Gate

Figure: Gate symbols

11. Q: Draw TRUTH table for inputs A and B of NOT, AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR, and XNOR.
A: Inputs NOT AND NAND OR NOR XOR XNOR
A B A AB AB A+B A+ B A⊕ B A⊕ B
0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0
1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 31

1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1
12. Q: Draw block diagram of general electronic communication system.
A: Communication system

Information Message Transmitted Received Receiver Message Use of

Source Transmitter Channel Information
signal signal signal signal

Voice, Audio, Music,

Video, Data (text, Noise
image, email, ...)
Figure: Block diagram of general electronic communication system

13. Q: Draw the block diagram for analog communication system.

A:
Analog Input
Input Transducer Modulator

Channel

Output Output Demodulator

Message Transducer

Figure: Block diagram for analog communication system

14. Q: Draw the block diagram for digital communication system.

A:
Information
Encoder Modulator
Source

Channel

Destination Decoder Demodulator

Figure: Block diagram for digital communication system

15. Q: Draw the block diagram of a transducer.

A:
transducer
non-electrical sensing sensor transduction electrical
quantity element response element signal

Figure: Block diagram of a transducer

16. Q: Draw unmodulated carrier wave, sound wave, and amplitude modulated wave (AM)
32 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

A:

(a) carrier wave (b) sound wave (c) AM wave

Figure: Unmodulated carrier wave, sound wave, and amplitude modulated wave (AM)

17. Q: Draw frequency modulated signal.

A: carrier wave signal wave

output FM wave

Figure: Frequency modulated signal

18. Q:
A: Phase Modulation
Amplitude
Message signal

Time

Amplitude Carrier signal

Time

Amplitude
Phase modulated signal

Time

Figure: Phase modulated signal

19. Q: Draw the block diagram of a simple radio receivers.

Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 33

A:
antenna

tuner rf amplifier detector af amplifier speaker

Figure: Block diagram of a simple radio receivers

20. Q: Draw the circuit diagram of AM radio receiver.

A:
long wire
antenna
4.7 nF headphones
820 kΩ

OA91 100 nF
10 nF
BC547 +
3V
inductor −
L 22 Ω
365 nF 100 nF

Figure: The circuit diagram of AM radio receiver

21. Q:
A:
22. Q:
A:
23. Q:
A:
24. Q:
A:
25. Q:
A:
26. Q:
A:
27. Q:
A:
34 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

Ch01-Q06: Calculation Questions.

E12.1: A 6 V Zener diode is connected with a 1 kΩ limiting resistor, and being supplied by 12 V
input. The output voltage is to take across 5 kΩ resistor connected in parallel with the Zener
diode. What will be the circuit behaviour if the zener is (i) working properly (ii) shorted and
(iii) open-circuited? [p. 198]
Ans: (i) If the zener diode is working properly, Vin = +12 V

R1 = 1 kΩ
Vo = VZ = 6 V
Vo = 6 V
+
VZ = 6 V RL = 5 kΩ
−

(ii) If the zener diode is short, Vin = +12 V

Vo = VZ = 6 V
R1 = 1 kΩ

Vo = 0 V

zener short RL = 5 kΩ

(iii) If the zener diode is open-circuited, Vin = +12 V

RL 5 ×10 3
=Vo = Vin ×12 I R1 = 1 kΩ
R1 + RL (1 + 5) ×103
Vo = 10 V
= 10 V
zener open I RL = 5 kΩ

E12.2: An LED is lit from a 9 V supply and takes a current of 20 mA. Calculate the value of the
current limiting resistor required for the LED. (Assume that the forward voltage drop will be
2 V) [p. 201]
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 35

Ans: supply voltage VS = 9 V,

required forward bias voltage VF = 2 V,
LED current I = 15 mA = 20 × 10-3 A
The required current limiting resistor R =?
VR VS − VF 9−2
R= = = = 350 Ω
I I 20 × 10−3
(in practice, 390 Ω is used)
R201: (3) An LED with a forward voltage drop of 2 V is to be connected to a 5 V stabilized DC power
supply. (i) Calculate the value of the series resistor required to limit the forward current to less
than 15 mA. (ii) Also calculate the current flowing through the diode if a 150 Ω of current limiting
resistor is used. [p. 201]
Ans: forward voltage drop VF = 2 V, supply voltage VS = 5 V
(i) forward current I = 10 mA, resistance of the current limiting resistor R =?
VR VS − VF 5−2
=
R = = = 200 Ω
I I 15 × 10−3
(In practice, a standard resistor of 220 Ω is used.)
(ii) resistance of the current limiting resistor R = 150 Ω, forward current I =?
VR VS − VF 5 − 2
=
I = = = 0.02 A = 20 mA
R R 150
E12.3: In the figure, the resistance of R2 is 5000 Ω and Vin is 6 V. Vin = 6 V
(i) In daylight, the resistance of R1 is 500 Ω. Calculate the
voltage across R2. (ii) In the dark, the resistance of R1 is 195 R1
000 Ω. Calculate the voltage across R2. [p. 203] Vout
R2 = 2 kΩ
0V
0V

Ans: R2 Vin = 6 V
=
Since Vout = Vout × Vin
( R1 + R2 )
(i) In daylight, R1 = 500 Ω R1
R2 5000 Vout
Vout = × Vin = × 6 = 5.45 V
( R1 + R2 ) (500 + 5000) I R2 = 2 kΩ
0V
(ii) In dark, R1 = 195000 Ω 0V
R2 5000
Vout = Vin × = 6× = 0.15 V
( R1 + R2 ) (195 + 5) ×103
36 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince

R203: (2) The circuit shows a potential divider, which consists

of a fixed resistor and a light dependent resistor (LDR).
I R = 20 kΩ
The potential divider is used to switch on a lamp when it 6V
X
gets dark. The resistance of the fixed resistor is 10 k Ω .
RLDR
The potential difference across XY is 4 V when the lamp
Y
is switched on. What is the resistance of the light-
dependent resistor (LDR)? [p. 203]
VR V
(Hint: VS = VR + VLDR, I = and RLDR = LDR )
R I
Ans: RLDR
=
VXY × Vin
R + RLDR
R = 20 kΩ
RLDR
=4 ×6 6V
X
10 ×103 + RLDR
RLDR
RLDR = 20 kΩ
Y

Q02: A potential divider consists of an LDR and a resistor

connected to a 6 V battery in the given figure. What should
R = 10 kΩ
be the resistance of the LDR for the output to be 4.5 V? 6V
[p. 220]
Vout
RLDR

Ans: RLDR
=Vout × Vin
R + RLDR
I R = 10 kΩ
RLDR
=4.5 ×6 6V
10 ×103 + RLDR
RLDR Vout
RLDR = 30 kΩ

Q15: Which range of frequency a radio telephone or walkie talkie is communicating? Also find the
corresponding wavelength. [p. 221]
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 37

Ans: [The four frequency variations of walkie talkie very high frequency (VHF), ultra high
frequency (UHF), 700 MHz and 900MHz.]
They use the radio frequency ranges from 136 MHz to 900 MHz.
Since they are electromagnetic waves, the velocity is c = 3 × 108 m s-1.
c 3 × 108
The shortest wavelength is, λ= = = 0.33 m
f largest 900 × 106
shortest

c 3 ×108
λlongest
The longest wavelength is, = = = 2.21 m
fsmallest 136 ×106
The range of the wavelength is 0.33 m-2.21 m.
[There are so many different ranges from different sources of reference.]
38 Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions Dr Vince
Dr Vince Grade 12 Physics Ch12 Detailed Revisions 39