In a simple circuit, what is a load?

• A. A device that consumes electrical energy, such as a light bulb.
• B. A device that generates electricity.
• C. A passive wiring only.
• D. A protective switch.

Answer: (A)

In a simple circuit, the load is the device that uses electrical energy to do work. It converts electrical energy into another form—like light, heat, or motion—so you can get something useful from the circuit. A light bulb is a classic example because it turns electricity into light (and a little heat) to illuminate a space. The energy comes from the source, and the wires simply carry it to the load.

The other options don’t fit because a device that generates electricity serves as the source, not the load. Wiring alone doesn’t consume energy, it just conducts it. A protective switch controls or protects the circuit but doesn’t consume energy either. So the load is any component that consumes electrical energy, such as a light bulb.