Robotics Worksheet

Introduction
Robotics combines electronics, mechanics, and programming to build machines that can sense and
interact with the world. This worksheet introduces key concepts in electronics and robotics, using clear
explanations and diagrams. We will cover basic circuits and Ohm’s Law, breadboards for prototyping,
motors and sensors (how they work in circuits), microcontrollers like Arduino, and simple programming
logic. Each section includes a few multiple-choice questions to test your understanding.

Basic Electronics

Circuits and Ohm’s Law

An electrical circuit is a closed loop of wires and components through which current can flow. It
requires a power source (like a battery), wires, and a load (such as a bulb or resistor) 1 . In a series
circuit, components are connected end-to-end in a single path (one break stops all current) 2 ; in a
parallel circuit, there are multiple paths so components can operate independently.

The fundamental relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) is given by Ohm’s Law:
$$V = I \times R$$
This means the voltage across a component equals the current through it times its resistance 3 . For
example, if a 10 Ω resistor has 2 A of current, the voltage across it is V = 2 A × 10 Ω = 20 V .
Electrical power (P) consumed by a device is P = V × I (in watts) 4 .

Breadboards

Figure: Diagram of a breadboard’s connected holes and power rails. A breadboard is used to build and test
circuits without soldering 5 . It has many holes in rows on a 0.1″ grid into which component leads and
wires can be pushed 6 . The long rows along the top and bottom are power rails: each row is
connected internally all the way across, providing a common + (red) and – (blue/black) supply rail 7 .
Components (LEDs, sensors, chips) are inserted so their pins straddle the central gap, and wires (single-
core) link holes to form the desired circuit.

Check Your Understanding – Multiple Choice:

1. What best describes an electric circuit?
A) A path allowing current to flow 1
B) A broken wire in a loop
C) A type of battery
D) A load device

1. Ohm’s Law is given by which formula?

A) V = I/R
B) I=V ×R
C) V =I ×R 3

D) R = I × V

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 2. If a resistor of 5 Ω has 2 A flowing through it, what is the voltage across it?
A) 5 V
B) 2.5 V
C) 10 V 【(Correct: V = 2A × 5Ω )】
D) 40 V

3. Why are breadboards useful in electronics projects?

A) They provide permanent soldered connections
B) They allow circuit building without soldering 5

C) They are used to draw circuit diagrams

D) They are a type of resistor

Motors and Sensors

Motors

Figure: A DC motor driven by an Arduino via a transistor and diode on a breadboard. Motors (DC motors,
servos, etc.) convert electrical energy into motion. They are output devices in circuits. Many DC motors
draw hundreds of milliamps when running. For example, a small motor might draw 250–1000 mA, more
than an Arduino pin can safely supply 8 . Therefore we use a transistor or dedicated motor driver to
switch the motor’s power, and include a diode (flyback diode) across the motor to protect against
voltage spikes 9 . The diagram above shows a transistor used to drive the motor and a diode across it
for protection 9 8 .

Sensors

Figure: An ultrasonic distance sensor connected to an Arduino. Such sensors send signals and measure
returns. Sensors are devices that measure something in the environment and send a signal (voltage) to
the microcontroller. Common sensors include light sensors, distance sensors, and switches. Proximity
sensors (like infrared or ultrasonic) detect objects without touch 10 . For example, an ultrasonic sensor
emits a sound pulse and measures the time until the echo returns. The distance to an object can be
calculated as Distance = (speed of sound × time)/2 11 . The Arduino reads the sensor’s signal (via
a digital or analog pin) and uses it in the program to make decisions (e.g., stop when an obstacle is
near).

Check Your Understanding – Multiple Choice:

5. Which component converts electrical energy into motion?
A) LED
B) Sensor
C) Motor (correct)
D) Resistor

1. In the motor circuit above, why is a transistor used between the Arduino and motor?
A) To slow the motor’s speed
B) To provide a higher voltage to the motor
C) To allow the Arduino to control the motor’s larger current draw 8
D) To measure the motor’s speed

2. Which statement best describes a sensor’s function?

A) It stores energy for the circuit

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 B) It detects environmental changes and sends a signal 12

C) It provides power to the circuit

D) It converts motion to electrical power

3. Which type of sensor uses sound waves to measure distance?

A) Infrared sensor
B) Ultrasonic sensor 10 (correct)
C) Temperature sensor
D) Light sensor

Microcontrollers
Figure: An Arduino Uno board with labeled components (microcontroller, pins, power). The microcontroller (IC,
#1) is the “brain” of the board 13 14 . A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip 14 . An
Arduino is a popular microcontroller board used in hobby robotics. It can read input signals from
sensors and control output devices (LEDs, motors, etc.) based on a program 15 . The board’s
microcontroller (e.g. the ATmega chip) is where your code runs – it is literally the “brain” of the Arduino
16 13 . We write programs (in a C/C++-based language) that tell the microcontroller what to do with

each pin.

Check Your Understanding – Multiple Choice:

9. A microcontroller is:
A) A small computer on a chip 14 (correct)
B) The same as a graphics card
C) A type of battery
D) A large desktop computer

1. An Arduino board primarily functions to:

A) Play video games
B) Read sensor inputs and control outputs 15 (correct)
C) Store large amounts of data
D) Act as a Wi-Fi router

2. Which programming language is primarily used to write Arduino sketches?

A) Java
B) Python
C) C/C++ 17 (correct)
D) HTML

Programming Logic
In programming an Arduino, we write instructions for the microcontroller to follow. A typical Arduino
sketch has a setup() function (runs once at start) and a loop() function that repeats
continuously. Inside loop() , we often set digital pins HIGH or LOW. For example,
digitalWrite(13, HIGH); sets pin 13 to 5 V, turning on an LED. We also use logic: an if-statement
lets the program choose actions. For example:

int sensorValue = analogRead(A0);

if (sensorValue > 500) {

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 digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // turn on LED if sensor reading is high
} else {
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);
}

This code reads a sensor and turns on the LED if a condition is true.

Check Your Understanding – Multiple Choice:

12. In an Arduino sketch, the loop() function:
A) Runs only once at startup
B) Repeats the code inside it continuously (correct)
C) Runs only if a button is pressed
D) Is the same as the setup() function

1. What does the Arduino code digitalWrite(13, HIGH); do?

A) Sets pin 13 to 0 V (turns off LED)
B) Reads data from pin 13
C) Sets pin 13 to 5 V (turns on LED) (correct)
D) Resets the Arduino board

2. An if statement in programming is used to:

A) Repeat a set of instructions over and over
B) Execute a block of code only when a condition is true (correct)
C) Define the pins as inputs or outputs
D) End the program immediately

Answer Key
1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. B
9. A
10. B
11. C
12. B
13. C
14. B

1 2 byjus.com
https://byjus.com/physics/circuit-component/

3 byjus.com
https://byjus.com/physics/ohms-law/

4
 4 Electric power - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_power

5 6 7 Breadboard | Electronics Club

https://electronicsclub.info/breadboard.htm

8 9 Breadboard Layout | Arduino Lesson 13. DC Motors | Adafruit Learning System

https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-13-dc-motors/breadboard-layout

10 12 Every type of sensor in robots, explained (easy guide) - Standard Bots

https://standardbots.com/blog/every-type-of-sensors-in-robotics---explained?srsltid=AfmBOoqntuhYDZE3XzhZd-
CUgbCO33mvZcnteBqTZLGOPbxxPwWjeHQj

11 Ultrasonic Sensor HC-SR04 and Arduino - Complete Guide

https://howtomechatronics.com/tutorials/arduino/ultrasonic-sensor-hc-sr04/

13 16 Arduino on the Farm – Farm Hack blog

https://farmhackblog.wordpress.com/2024/05/22/arduino-on-the-farm/

14 What is a microcontroller? | IBM

https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/microcontroller

15 17 Arduino Programming for Kids: Fool Proof Beginners Guide

https://www.create-learn.us/blog/arduino-programming-for-kids/