Final answer:
Microchips, resistors, and capacitors are interconnected on a printed circuit board (PCB), which provides both a physical platform and electrical connectivity via conductive pathways, usually made of copper. Components are soldered onto the PCB to ensure solid connections, enabling electronic devices to operate correctly.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Connects Electronic Components?
Microchips, resistors, and capacitors, which are the core components of many electronic devices, are interconnected on a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB acts as a physical platform for the components and the conductive pathways that allow for electrical connections between them. These pathways, usually made of copper, create the necessary circuits to power and operate electronic devices. Components are typically soldered onto the PCB, which ensures a solid physical and electrical connection. Integrated circuits, like microchips, are complex arrays of transistors and other components on a small piece of silicon, and are also mounted on these boards. The simple black lines in electric circuit diagrams represent these pathways and are considered as perfect conductors. Resistors, which limit charge flow, showing resistance, are often connected in series or parallel to control the flow of current within these circuits. Besides resistors, labeling conventions such as that beginning with the letter 'C' for capacitors, help in identifying various components on the PCB.