What is Electrical engineering: Definition and 648 Discussions

Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. It emerged as an identifiable occupation in the latter half of the 19th century after commercialization of the electric telegraph, the telephone, and electrical power generation, distribution and use.
Electrical engineering is now divided into a wide range of different fields, including computer engineering, systems engineering, power engineering, telecommunications, radio-frequency engineering, signal processing, instrumentation, electronics, and optics and photonics. Many of these disciplines overlap with other engineering branches, spanning a huge number of specializations including hardware engineering, power electronics, electromagnetics and waves, microwave engineering, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, renewable energies, mechatronics, and electrical materials science.Electrical engineers typically hold a degree in electrical engineering or electronic engineering. Practising engineers may have professional certification and be members of a professional body or an international standards organization. These include the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) (formerly the IEE).
Electrical engineers work in a very wide range of industries and the skills required are likewise variable. These range from circuit theory to the management skills of a project manager. The tools and equipment that an individual engineer may need are similarly variable, ranging from a simple voltmeter to sophisticated design and manufacturing software.

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  1. L

    Really confused about voltage and some other quetions

    Please explain how or why (I have zero knowledge in physics).. 1. is Voltage the energy required by the elctrostatic forces between 2 points to move a certain quantity of charge between them? 2. Why is it called potential difference? Does this have to do with the difference in potential energy...
  2. A

    Thermochemistry & Gases in Electrical Engineering?

    I'm a first year electrical engineering student and in my General Chemistry class, every other week, we're required to write a paragraph about how each weeks material relates to your future career. As I am in electrical engineering, I don't see much relation to any topic. This week is...
  3. adamaero

    Predicting AC open-loop gain for an internally compensated op-amp

    Homework Statement An internally compensated op amp has a DC open-loop gain of 1,000,000 (V/V) and an ac open-loop gain of 40dB at 10kHz. Provide the expected gain in dB at 1kHz... Homework Equations Please help, I don't know what to use for an exact answer. The Attempt at a Solution Beyond...
  4. M

    Masters options for electrical engineering?

    I graduated with a B.E.E. last year, took some time off now i am planning to pursue a masters degree in engineering. i did graduate with a decent grade but i did not enjoy studying electrical engineering at all. my aptitude is more towards management and arts. are there any masters options in...
  5. Metals

    How to find power dissipation of a resistor in this circuit?

    Here is an image with information: https://i.snag.gy/UMCRig.jpg I have calculated the total power dissipation as 11W. What I don't see is why R1 has a higher dissipation rate than R2/R3, and my main question is how do I calculate the power dissipation of R1? I get that R2/R3 are in series so...
  6. U

    Programs Undecided between Masters Degree in BME, EE or Applied Math

    Background story: In high school, I fell in love with mathematics especially AP calculus (mostly because many other subjects in the sciences were not well taught in my school). I would often spend hours trying to learn the math in detail (often going more in detail then necessary on my own...
  7. AvroArrow

    What can I learn from the active community members on this site?

    Hi guys, I am a second year electrical engineering student (my god I am already halfway there! ha ha) at the University of Toronto and I am hoping to learn a lot from this website. I use it regularly to view archived forums, but figured I would join in on some discussions here and there. There...
  8. vinicius0197

    Engineering What is better for robotics: Electrical or Mech Eng?

    I know that robotics is a multidisciplinary field, requiring knowledge from many different fields of study. But I would like to know what would be the better path for a engineering seeking to work with robotics: it's mechanical or electrical engineering? I'm a student of MechE myself, and I have...
  9. T

    Studying Electrical Engineering Tutor Needed

    Hi, I am currently distance learning an electrical engineering course from a marine college. I have study material and past exam papers. Unfortunately the college won't mark my practice exam papers so I don´t know if I am getting the correct results. Does anyone know of any online...
  10. MarwanAq

    Programs Computer engineering or electrical engineering to physics?

    I am currently a computer engineering student , in my second year to be precise. I was just wondering if I could continue my postgraduate studies in physics or anything similar , and will I be better off with a degree in electrical engineering ?. like is electrical engineering closer to physics ?.
  11. A

    Studying Supplementary book for intro signal processing class

    The required textbook for my intro signal processing class is "Signal Processing First" by James McClellan. So far I like the book quite a lot because the author does a good job to explain the concepts clearly. However I feel like the book doesn't provide enough practice problems. I just want to...
  12. J

    Programs Interested in majoring in Electrical Engineering -- Questions

    Hello, I am interested in majoring in electrical engineering. I enjoy learning about electricity and magnetism and I also wish to learn more about solar power. Throughout my life I have never taken any Calculus or anything above (just pretty much stayed in the Algebra realm). For me, concepts...
  13. Manoj Sahu

    New Electrical Engineering Student Seeks Guidance on Writing Research Paper

    Hi. I am an electrical engineering student in my final year. I want to write a research or review paper this year before completing my degree. I haven't written any paper before. I don't know where to start. Will someone please guide me? In addition to that I haven't selected any topics so I...
  14. Umar Awan

    What is the reason for using high KVA transformers in electrical heaters?

    Note: I have a feeling this is below Electrical Engineering requirements, but I couldn't find a more suitable category, so I think I'll extort the advantages of a forum base with electrical understanding more than I think may be required(ofcoarse I know very little about the field, so I may fall...
  15. J

    "Easy" but cool electrical engineering projects

    Hello, I am looking for an "easy" but cool electrical engineering project. I've tried to make a mini tesla coil, but I keep messing up the coil part itself, so I am taking a step back from it for a while. Are there any relatively easy (I am beginning) electrical projects that you have heard of...
  16. D

    Classical What are the Best Physics and Math Books for Electrical Engineering Students?

    This fall I'm going to the university of electrical engineering and I am looking for some good physics and math books concerning the following topics: Physics -Classical Mechanics ( level above Calculus 2) - Electricity and Magnetism ( level above calculus 2) -Electrical cirtcuits (specially...
  17. Woa90210

    Welcome to Our Community: Join Us in Exploring the World of Science!

    Hello all! :smile: Excited to learn as much as I can in this forum and also lend as much knowledge that I can to the community! Happy building everyone!
  18. Woa90210

    What was most helpful understanding Signals and Systems?

    Hey guys! This is my first day on the forum so, hey! I'm a third year electrical engineering student and I'm really having some trouble with Signals and Systems so I want to know what helped other people understand it so that maybe I could try some of their methods. What were your biggest...
  19. Adrian Collings

    Why is my transistor overheating?

    Okay so I am having this problem with a transistor overheating in a motor control circuit and I am not exactly sure why it is overheating. There is a PWM signal being used to power the transistor from an MSP430 microcontroller. I am using a standard 1N004 kickback diode for the motor and an...
  20. T

    Where does the current go in this RL circuit?

    Hi there, I'm struggling to wrap my head around a 'should-be-simple' problem involving an RL circuit. Referring to the image I've pasted below, what happens if we were to remove switch 1, and instead created a scenario where switch 2 simply opens? Where would the current go in the inductor? I...
  21. A

    Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage device size

    How large would a superconducting magnetic energy storage device be if it were to safely carry 100 kilowatt-hours of energy? How much cryogen (liquid nitrogen) would it consume per hour if the device were made from high-temperature superconducting materials (YBCO or similar).
  22. C

    What makes electrical engineering so fascinating?

    Hello everyone , my name is Cynthia. Currently, I am an second-year university student majoring in Electrical Engineering. The reason why I choose EE is because i want to learn and discover the 'magic' of EE :) I am still a newbie in this field, so I hope I could gain more knowledge here. Thank...
  23. Shadow-Shocker

    Building a musical tesla coil,

    What is the general cost for building a tesla coil. I already have a PVC pipe and wiring, but I know I need a board, power supply, coil, led lights, capacitors, resistors, and semi-conductors, etc. I know there are some things I am missing and I am on a budget. If there are any other supplies...
  24. anorlunda

    Insights AC Power Analysis: Part 3, Cyber Resilience - Comments

    anorlunda submitted a new PF Insights post AC Power Analysis: Part 3, Cyber Resilience Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  25. anorlunda

    Insights AC Power Analysis – Part 2, Network Analysis - Comments

    anorlunda submitted a new PF Insights post AC Power Analysis – Part 2, Network Analysis Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  26. lonelypancreas

    Engineering Electrical Engineering vs Physics

    Hi, I'm currently a freshman electrical engineering student in a university and I'm having a dilemma if I am to transfer to physics or no. First of all, I chose my current program because of our electronics elective class in high school. I enjoyed the experiments back then and the projects as...
  27. G

    Courses Random Signals Class: Advice for EE Student

    Hi All, Looking for Advice on taking Random Signals Class in the summer, I am EE student, Is it very difficult? very challenging or demanding?. I have taken classes in the summer in a community college and I have done OK(B), however I am a little unsure about this one. I work full time and have...
  28. S

    Programs Should I major in this program? Pros and cons....

    Hello! So I've recently been accepted to the University of Ottawa in the program of: Honours Bachelor's of Science in Physics/Bachelor's of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering. It's a double degree program for 5-6 years. I'm basically wondering if I should go to this university and this...
  29. R

    Programs Computer Science versus Electrical Engineering

    Hello! My hobbies are tinkering on my computer and mathematics. Physics is not bad but I do not love it like I do mathematics. I like the logic and analytical skills that it requires. I like solving problems. I recently dropped out of Aeronautical Engineering because I simply did not like over...
  30. ramzerimar

    Digital Systems class for a MechE

    Hey people, I need some help, preferably from the Electrical Engineers... Classes start next month and I'm stuck deciding some electives to take during my third mechanical engineering semester. Here's the thing: I decided to take some electives from the EE department so I have a good basis to...
  31. P

    Chemical or Electrical engineering

    hi guys, i am in a bad situation and i need some tips :( i attend the first year of chemical engineering, but i have doubts about my choice... My university gives me the way to change my course in electrical engineering, and i am thinking to change. I'm not sure that chemical engineering is a...
  32. ramzerimar

    Should I stay in MechE or change to Electrical?

    Hey people. First of all, I'm now in the third semester of my course in Mechanical Engineering. I have interest in aerospace/aeronautics, so there are plenty of things in mechanical that I like - fluid mechanics, aerodynamics - and that was the reason I choose this undergrad. Nonetheless, I do...
  33. Nicholas moore

    Experts in Optics: Advice needed in working with SLDs

    I'm working on a project which will involve placing a superluminescent diode in a rocket, which will get launched in desert (obviously the SLD is just part of a greater system, the objective is not the operation of an SLD) What I need to know is if you think I could make, or where I can track...
  34. F

    Engineering Electrical Engineering - circuits - Reactive Networks

    1. Homework Statement There are multiple parts to this question, but I have only got through the first 2 before getting stuck. Please could somebody give me a hand as I am really struggling :frown: (a) Calculate the phasor voltage of the voltage source and the phasor current of the current...
  35. Captain1024

    Engineering Analysing a 3-Loop RLC Circuit and Finding State Equations

    Homework Statement Obtain the state equations in Matrix form for the two-input and one-output circuit shown in the figure below where the output is i_2. Homework Equations Ohm's Law, KVL, KCL The Attempt at a Solution Currents i1, i2, i3 assumed clockwise. Is there a better assumption I...
  36. C

    Paralleling Generators: Effect of Long Term Use in Private Network

    Looking for some guidance on the effect of long term paralleling of different generation sets in a private network as follows: 2 x 2.5MVA diesel generators stepped up to 11kV through DYn11 (in reverse to obtain a neutral while islanding) 3 x 1.0MVA Gas turbines stepped up to 11Kv through Yyn11...
  37. Kurtis McIntosh

    Engineering Circuits Question -- Charging a car battery in 4 hours....

    Homework Statement A constant current of 3A for 4 hours is required to charge an automotive battery. If the terminal voltage is 10 + 1/2 t V, where t is in hours, (a) how much charge is transported as a result of the charging? (b) how much energy is expended? (c) how much does the charging...
  38. N

    Engineering Is electrical engineering a dying field?

    Before I start this I just want to say that I don't want to offend anyone. I am a freshman college student who is looking to apply to the electrical engineering program at the end of the year at my school. I love working with my hands and solving problems using physics and mathematics and I...
  39. S

    Engineering and Physics Double Degree: Is It Worth Pursuing?

    Hello. I am currently in grade 12 and applying to programs in Canada and I would like to go into engineering. Although, I am very passionate about physics and it's applications in so many fields. I found a unique program which is a double degree. It includes a major in physics and electrical...
  40. hipsterfromiowa

    Should I get MSEE, MBA or both?

    I am currently studying BS Audio & Music Engineering (EE with a musical focus, you can guess what school am at). I am a second semester freshman (as of Jan 2016). My school provides an option of a 4+1 program with MS in EE, of which I was considering, but my parents want me to get an MBA...
  41. kostoglotov

    Should I bother with this last chapter of my Linear Algebra text?

    Intro to Lin. Alg via MIT OCW 18.06 (part of Electrical Engineering), by Gilbert Strang. I've been doing it as independent study before starting my BSEE next year. I'm getting to the end. Chapter 9 is titled "Numerical Linear Algebra", and is concerned with the heavy, intricate computational...
  42. A

    Programs Is the UPenn Electrical Engineering minor good?

    Would this be a useful sequence of classes for a physics major? http://www.ese.upenn.edu/current-students/undergraduates/minors.php
  43. Dunedain979

    Engineering Is electrical engineering becoming outdated?

    I'm wondering if a degree in electrical engineering is still worth pursuing today? Would it be a better choice to get a degree in mechanical engineering? Any advice on this matter would be appreciated.
  44. A

    What to read to learn Electrical Engineering

    Is there any standard book or source to go to for someone wanting to learn how electricity works and motors and AC and DC so they can pursue their ideas and be able to understand the theory of their electrical imaginations and how it could or could not work? I"m not wanting a career in...
  45. B

    Bizarre Electrical Engineering Project....is it possible?

    Ok, I've got a project I want to try, mostly for the "why the heck not?" idea, just for the giggles, you know? I just want to see if it's even possible to do. Here's the goal: Goal: Create a complete and uninterrupted sphere of electricity. This isn't as easy as one might think. It doesn't...
  46. hdp12

    Engineering Given RLC circuit to find V over load & other complications

    Homework Statement In my Intro to EE class we have a homework assignment with the following problem: I think I finished part a but want to make sure that I am doing the problem correctly before I move on to the next part. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution
  47. hdp12

    Average and rms values of a given signal

    Homework Statement I am in an Intro to EE class and we were given a homework assignment including the following question: Find the average and rms values of the signal: x(t)=3cos(7ωt)+4 I have formulas for average power and rms but they include V & I, however the signal was given as x(t). I...
  48. N

    Schools Physics vs. Electrical Engineering in college

    So I'm a freshman in college right now and I am a physics major. The class I am also having most trouble with is...physics. I am doing great in math but physics is tougher for me. I was thinking that maybe physics isn't for me, as also looking around I realized just how theory-based everything...
  49. pioneerboy

    Can an EE or ME degree lead to a career in aerospace engineering?

    Hello there, I have a few questions concerning how the choice between electrical and mechanical engineering influences one's future career if going into the aerospace branch - if possible at all. Can you do a Master or graduate in aerospace engineering with an undergraduate degree in one or the...
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