What in a circuit diagram represents a resistor?

What in a circuit diagram represents a resistor?

• A. Battery
• B. Light bulb
• C. Resistor
• D. Switch

Answer: (C)

In circuit diagrams, each component is shown with a symbol that reflects its function. A resistor is the element that limits or controls the flow of current, so its symbol is distinctive and identifies that function. In many diagrams you’ll see a zigzag line (or, in some standards, a small rectangle) representing a resistor. The value next to it tells you the resistance in ohms, which determines how much current passes for a given voltage via Ohm’s law. The other symbols correspond to different parts: a battery is a power source, a light bulb is a load that emits light, and a switch Opens or closes the circuit. So the symbol that represents the resistor is the one that depicts resistance—the resistor symbol.

In circuit diagrams, each component is shown with a symbol that reflects its function. A resistor is the element that limits or controls the flow of current, so its symbol is distinctive and identifies that function. In many diagrams you’ll see a zigzag line (or, in some standards, a small rectangle) representing a resistor. The value next to it tells you the resistance in ohms, which determines how much current passes for a given voltage via Ohm’s law.

The other symbols correspond to different parts: a battery is a power source, a light bulb is a load that emits light, and a switch Opens or closes the circuit. So the symbol that represents the resistor is the one that depicts resistance—the resistor symbol.