10.6 Switches and Transistors

What is the primary function of a switch in an electrical circuit?

• To amplify the current

• To increase the voltage

• To turn the flow of current on or off

• To decrease the resistance

In the water flow model, what is a switch equivalent to?

• A pipe

• A reservoir

• A pump

• A faucet

What are the criteria engineers use to develop better switches?

• Higher speed, smaller size, greater reliability, increased efficiency

• Lower speed, larger size, less reliability, decreased efficiency

• Higher speed, larger size, greater reliability, decreased efficiency

• Lower speed, smaller size, less reliability, increased efficiency

What are the two states of a switch?

• High and low

• Positive and negative

• On and off

• Open and closed

What happens when a switch is open?

• It short circuits the circuit

• It presents zero resistance to electric current

• It presents infinite resistance to electric current

• It allows maximum current flow

What is a relay?

• A switch operated by a capacitor

• A switch operated by a resistor

• A switch operated by an electromagnet

• A switch operated by a manual lever

What is the original use of a relay?

• Relaying telegraph messages over long distances

• Amplifying radio signals

• Switching power in electrical grids

• Controlling home appliances

What is a transistor primarily made of?

• Conductors

• Insulators

• Semiconductors

• Superconductors

What element is most commonly used in transistors?

• Copper

• Carbon

• Silicon

• Germanium

What is the process of adding trace amounts of other elements to silicon called?

• Doping

• Alloying

• Mixing

• Blending