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ASVAB · Components and Devices

What is the primary function of a resistor in a circuit?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

To limit or control the flow of current

  1. A To limit or control the flow of current
  2. B To amplify a signal
  3. C To convert AC to DC
  4. D To store electrical charge

Why this is the answer

A resistor limits or controls the flow of electric current in a circuit by providing a specific amount of resistance, measured in ohms. Resistors are used to set current levels, divide voltage, and protect sensitive components from too much current. A capacitor stores electrical charge; a transistor can amplify signals; and a diode (or rectifier) converts AC to DC. Knowing the basic job of each common component — resistor (limits current), capacitor (stores charge), diode (one-way valve), transistor (amplify/switch) — is core electronics content.
Source: ASVAB Electronics Information — Resistors

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About this topic: Components and Devices

Components and devices questions cover what resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, transformers, fuses and switches do, and their schematic symbols. Recognising a symbol and naming its job is most of the section. This is one of 19 Electronics Information questions on components and devices, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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