Things You'll Need:
- Introductory physics text
- Handbook or data sheets on electrical components
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Step 1
Identify the most common type of resistors. They usually are small tubules with three or more stripes at one end. The stripes are in different colors that signify the value of their resistance. Resistors have a metal terminal or lead at each end.
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Step 2
Recognize what a capacitor is. They come in many forms. For example, they may be small tubules of a solid color. If the tubules are horizontal, the leads are at both ends. If the tubules are vertical, they are a solid color with a stripe on one side, and the leads are at the bottom. Other common shapes are orange-colored pancakes. Because capacitors are measured in units called farads, they are usually labeled with an "F" on their casing. This may be accompanied by letters symbolizing numbers such as pico, micro or nano. These are the letters p, the Greek letter mu, or n.
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Step 3
Study how to identify an inductor. They also come in many forms, such as solid-colored tubes with leads. They may have the letter "H" on their casing. Again, this may be accompanied by letters symbolizing numbers.
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Step 4
Learn what a diode looks like. They may also be shaped like tubes and have leads on both sides, but they have a stripe at one end.
