Question

Examine the symbols below:

Four schematics are shown. Symbol A shows two dots and a line draw from one not connected to the other. Symbol B shows two dots and a line draw from one connected to the other. Symbol C shows vertical lines in the pattern long, short, long, and short with a plus and minus symbol on it. Symbol D shows a dot in the center of two brackets with short horizontal dashes connected to them.

Which image represents an open switch in a circuit?

Symbol B
Symbol A
Symbol C
Symbol D

Answer 1

Answer: Symbol A

Explanation:

The four symbols described here represent:

- Symbol A shows two dots and a line draw from one not connected to the other.  --> this is an open switch. A switch is component of a circuit that is used to open/close the circuit in order to interrupt/allow the flow of current through the circuit. In this case, the switch is open, since the line does not connect the second dot.

- Symbol B shows two dots and a line draw from one connected to the other.  --> this is the symbol used to represent the switch when it is closed, so it is a closed switch.

- Symbol C shows vertical lines in the pattern long, short, long, and short with a plus and minus symbol on it. --> this symbol represents a battery, which consists of two or more cells and provides the electromotive force that pushes the electrons along the circuit.

Therefore, the correct symbol representing the open switch is

Symbol A

Answer 2

For this case we have that by definition, the switch is a control component that opens or closes a circuit.

It is necessary to emphasize that if the switch is open then the flow of electrons from one point to another is not allowed. Thus, it is said that we are in the presence of an open circuit.

The correct option is symbol A, an open switch is shown graphically in the attached image.

Answer:

Option B