Grade 9 Science Module: Understanding Transistors
Module Title: Transistors: The Building Blocks of Modern Electronics
Grade Level: Grade 9
Subject Area: Science - Electronics
Learning Competencies
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Explain what a transistor is and its importance in electronics.
2. Identify the types of transistors and their basic structure.
3. Describe the functions of a transistor.
4. Illustrate how a transistor works as a switch and an amplifier.
5. Recognize the applications of transistors in real-world devices.
Lesson Outline
1. What is a Transistor?
2. Parts of a Transistor
3. Types of Transistors
4. How a Transistor Works
5. Applications of Transistors
6. Activities and Assessments
1. What is a Transistor?
A transistor is a tiny electronic device made of semiconductor materials,
such as silicon or germanium which is used to amplify or switch electronic
signals.
It is one of the most important components in modern electronics and is
found in almost all electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and
televisions.
Think of a transistor as a tiny switch or gate that controls the flow of
electrical current. It helps regulate the current in a circuit, making electronic
devices work efficiently
Transistors can:
Control the flow of electrical current.
Amplify weak electrical signals.
Act as a switch to turn electrical currents on or off.
Transistors are the foundation of microchips, which power computers,
smartphones, and many other technologies.
2. Parts of a Transistor
A transistor typically has three main parts:
1. Emitter (E): Releases or emits electrons into the transistor. Releases
the majority of charge carriers (electrons or holes) into the base.
2. Base (B): The thin middle layer that controls the flow of electrons.
3. Collector (C): Collects the electrons emitted by the emitter. Collects
the charge carriers and allows current to flow out of the transistor.
These three parts are connected to external circuits.
3. Types of Transistors
There are two main types of transistors:
A. Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
Made of three layers of semiconductor material.
BJTs have three terminals: Emitter, Base, and Collector.
Two subtypes:
NPN Transistor: Current flows from the collector to the emitter when
a small current is applied to the base. NPN transistors allow current to
flow from the collector to the emitter when a small current is applied to
the base.
PNP Transistor: Current flows from the emitter to the collector when
a small current is applied to the base. PNP transistors work oppositely,
allowing current to flow when the base is at a lower potential.
B. Field-Effect Transistor (FET)
Uses an electric field to control current flow.
Subtypes:
1. JFET (Junction Field-Effect Transistor)
2. MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect
Transistor)
4. How a Transistor Works
A. As a Switch
When a small current or voltage is applied to the base (in a BJT) or gate
(in a FET), it allows a larger current to flow between the collector and
emitter (or source and drain in FETs).
Example: Turning an LED on or off using a transistor.
B. As an Amplifier
A transistor can take a weak electrical signal and make it stronger.
Example: Amplifying sound in a speaker system.
5. Applications of Transistors
Transistors are used in a wide range of applications, such as:
1. Computers and Smartphones: Process and store data.
2. Radios and Televisions: Amplify signals for clearer audio and video.
3. Power Supplies: Control voltage and current.
4. LED Circuits: Turn lights on and off.
5. Medical Equipment: Enable precise control in devices like
pacemakers.
6. Activities and Assessments
Activity 1: Label the Transistor
Draw and label the parts of an NPN transistor. Include the emitter,
base, and collector.
Activity 2: Build a Simple Transistor Circuit
Materials:
NPN Transistor (e.g., 2N3904)
Resistors (1 kΩ and 10 kΩ)
LED
Battery (9V)
Breadboard and connecting wires
Instructions:
1. Connect the transistor’s emitter to the negative side of the battery.
2. Connect the collector to one leg of the LED.
3. Connect the other leg of the LED to the positive side of the battery
through the 1 kΩ resistor.
4. Connect the base to the battery’s positive side through the 10 kΩ
resistor.
5. Observe what happens to the LED when you remove the base
connection.
Activity 3: Identify Real-World Uses
List five devices in your home that use transistors. Describe how
transistors might be used in each device.
Quiz
1. What is the main function of a transistor?
A. Control current B. Store data C. Produce light D. Absorb
heat
2. Name the three parts of a transistor.
3. What is the difference between an NPN and PNP transistor?
4. How does a transistor amplify signals?
5. Give two examples of real-world applications of transistors.
Key Takeaways
A transistor is a key component in electronics used to control and
amplify electrical currents.
It has three parts: emitter, base, and collector.
There are two main types: BJTs and FETs.
Transistors work as switches and amplifiers in various devices.
Glossary
Amplify: To increase the strength of a signal.
Semiconductor: A material that can conduct electricity under certain
conditions.
Circuit: A closed path through which electricity flows.
References
1. Boylestad, R. (2020). Introductory Circuit Analysis. Pearson.
2. Floyd, T. (2017). Electronic Devices (Conventional Current Version).
Pearson.
3. Online resources: All About Circuits ([Link]
End of Module.
Assessment
1. What is a transistor mainly used for?
A. Generating electricity
B. Amplifying or switching signals
C. Producing sound
D. Storing data
2. Which of the following is NOT a part of a transistor?
A. Emitter
B. Collector
C. Base
D. Capacitor
3. What type of semiconductor material is used in transistors?
A. Copper
B. Silicon
C. Aluminum
D. Gold
4. What are the two main types of transistors?
A. NPN and PNP
B. AC and DC
C. Positive and Negative
D. Analog and Digital
5. In an NPN transistor, which terminal is typically connected to the positive
supply?
A. Emitter
B. Base
C. Collector
D. Ground
6. What is the purpose of the base in a transistor?
A. To provide power to the circuit
B. To control the flow of current between emitter and collector
C. To store electrical charge
D. To amplify sound signals
7. What happens when a small current is applied to the base of a transistor?
A. The transistor turns off.
B. A larger current flows between the collector and emitter.
C. The transistor burns out.
D. No current flows at all.
8. Which configuration is commonly used for amplification in transistors?
A. Common base
B. Common collector
C. Common emitter
D. Common ground
9. What does the term "PNP" in a transistor stand for?
A. Positive-Negative-Positive
B. Power-Normal-Power
C. Positive-Neutral-Positive
D. Phase-Negative-Phase
10. What is the typical voltage drop across a silicon transistor junction?
A. 0.3V
B. 0.7V
C. 1.5V
D. 2.0V
11. Which of the following best describes a transistor acting as a switch?
A. It continuously amplifies signals.
B. It allows or blocks current flow depending on the base signal.
C. It stores electrical energy.
D. It generates a constant voltage.
12. Why are transistors preferred over vacuum tubes in modern electronics?
A. They are larger and more powerful.
B. They are cheaper, smaller, and more efficient.
C. They require more energy to operate.
D. They are harder to manufacture.
13. What is the main function of the emitter in a transistor?
A. To collect current from the circuit
B. To emit electrons or holes into the base
C. To amplify the input signal
D. To switch the circuit on or off
14. How does a PNP transistor differ from an NPN transistor?
A. The current flows in the opposite direction.
B. PNP transistors do not require a base connection.
C. PNP transistors use metals instead of semiconductors.
D. PNP transistors cannot be used for switching.
15. What is the significance of a transistor in modern technology?
A. It helps in water purification.
B. It is the foundation of all digital electronics.
C. It is used only for power transmission.
D. It has no significant role today.
