A _____ is an electronic component that needs to discharge electrically before the replacement of parts.

A _____ is an electronic component that needs to discharge electrically before the replacement of parts.

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

Answer: (B)

Capacitors store electric energy as charge on their plates, and that stored energy can remain even after the power is turned off. Because of this, they can give a dangerous shock or cause a component to behave unpredictably if you replace parts without discharging first. Safely discharging a capacitor removes this stored energy, making it safe to handle the circuit and preventing damage to new parts. Resistors don’t store a charge once power is removed; diodes don’t hold a lingering voltage either, as they conduct or block current rather than store energy. Inductors do store energy in a magnetic field while energized, but the common safety precaution during part replacement centers on capacitors because of their electric-field energy storage and potential for sudden discharge.

Capacitors store electric energy as charge on their plates, and that stored energy can remain even after the power is turned off. Because of this, they can give a dangerous shock or cause a component to behave unpredictably if you replace parts without discharging first. Safely discharging a capacitor removes this stored energy, making it safe to handle the circuit and preventing damage to new parts.

Resistors don’t store a charge once power is removed; diodes don’t hold a lingering voltage either, as they conduct or block current rather than store energy. Inductors do store energy in a magnetic field while energized, but the common safety precaution during part replacement centers on capacitors because of their electric-field energy storage and potential for sudden discharge.