Electronic Parts

Resistors
Resistors are one of the most common parts found in any circuit.
Resistors are indentified in schematics with a separate part listing as R1, R2, R3, etc. This is not used as often as the next way schematics identify resistors. Schematics will more than likely list the value of the resistor right next to the symbol.


Capacitors
This is another commonly used component. Capacitors are easy to identify. The symbol with 2 straight lines is any non-polarized capacitor, unless the schematics state otherwise. For these I usualy use mylar or ceramic disk capacitors. Another type of capacitor is the electrolytic capacitor. Electrolytic capacitors are polarized which is shown by the schematic symbol, which is the one line and one curved line, or one line and one curved line with a "+" indicating the anode side of the capacitor. The side with the curve is the anode and the other side is the cathode. Remember the anode is positive and the cathode is negative. This is easy to remember by saying cathodes are negative because cats are bad. There are also variable capacitors. Now this part gets confusing. Some schematic diagrams use the one line and one curve as non-polarized capacitors. You should be able to tell this because they will use the one line and one curve with a "+" to indicate the electrolytic capacitors. Otherwise capacitors are quite easy.


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