What electrical component opposes the flow of current in a DC circuit?

What electrical component opposes the flow of current in a DC circuit?

• A. Capacitor
• B. Inductor
• C. Resistor
• D. POTENTIOMETER

Answer: (C)

The correct choice is a resistor, as it is a component specifically designed to oppose the flow of electric current in a circuit. Resistors achieve this opposition by converting electrical energy into heat through the process of resistive heating. This property is governed by Ohm's Law, which states that the voltage across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it and the resistance value. In practical applications, resistors can be used to control current flow, divide voltages, and protect sensitive components from excessive currents. The amount of resistance is measured in ohms, and they can come in various forms and ratings depending on their intended use in a circuit. While capacitors and inductors are indeed important components within electrical and electronic circuits, they operate on different principles. Capacitors store and release energy in the form of an electric field, while inductors do so in the form of a magnetic field, rather than directly opposing current flow in the way resistors do. A potentiometer, which is a variable resistor, also provides resistance but does so by allowing the user to adjust the level of resistance rather than being a fixed opposition to current flow.

The correct choice is a resistor, as it is a component specifically designed to oppose the flow of electric current in a circuit. Resistors achieve this opposition by converting electrical energy into heat through the process of resistive heating. This property is governed by Ohm's Law, which states that the voltage across a resistor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it and the resistance value.

In practical applications, resistors can be used to control current flow, divide voltages, and protect sensitive components from excessive currents. The amount of resistance is measured in ohms, and they can come in various forms and ratings depending on their intended use in a circuit.

While capacitors and inductors are indeed important components within electrical and electronic circuits, they operate on different principles. Capacitors store and release energy in the form of an electric field, while inductors do so in the form of a magnetic field, rather than directly opposing current flow in the way resistors do. A potentiometer, which is a variable resistor, also provides resistance but does so by allowing the user to adjust the level of resistance rather than being a fixed opposition to current flow.