#26. What’s the difference between electrical and electronic? I thought they were the same.
The two terms are frequently interchanged and misused because they overlap. Electrical refers to any and all things electric, involving the flow of electrons. Electronic refers to a more narrow part of that world where transistors, microprocessors, diodes and the like are involved. Electronic parts are often small and mounted on a solder board (PC board), so they are soldered by nature. The computer on board a newer car is electronic while all of the rest of the wiring and electrical system is electric.
Many modern electrical objects, automotive and household, are both, so the overlap makes it confusing. In general just think: transistors = electronic, wiring = electric, and you will keep them straight.
Steve Watson, Watson's StreetWorks, http://www.watsons-streetworks.com
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