What type of electrical component consists of conductive surfaces separated by an insulator?
The correct answer is D: Capacitor. A capacitor is the type of electrical component that consists of conductive surfaces separated by an insulator. This is the fundamental structure of a capacitor - two conductive plates (surfaces) with an insulating dielectric between them.
Capacitors are constructed with two conductive surfaces (plates or foils) separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. The dielectric can be air, paper, plastic, ceramic, or other insulating materials. This structure allows the capacitor to store electrical energy in the electric field between the plates. The capacitance depends on the plate area, distance between plates, and dielectric material. This construction is unique to capacitors.
Exam Tip
Capacitor structure = Conductive surfaces + insulator. Remember: Capacitors consist of two conductive surfaces (plates) separated by an insulating dielectric material.
Memory Aid
"**C**apacitor = **C**onductive **S**urfaces + **I**nsulator (think 'C = CSI')"
Real-World Application
You're examining a capacitor. You see two metal plates (conductive surfaces) with a plastic film (insulator) between them. This structure allows the capacitor to store electrical energy. The insulator prevents direct current flow while allowing the electric field to exist between the plates.
Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Resistors are typically made of resistive material (carbon, metal film, wire), not conductive surfaces separated by an insulator. They don't have this structure.
Option B: Incorrect. Potentiometers are variable resistors with a resistive element and a wiper, not conductive surfaces separated by an insulator.
Option C: Incorrect. Oscillators are circuits that generate signals, not components with conductive surfaces separated by an insulator. They're made of multiple components.
题目解析
The correct answer is D: Capacitor. A capacitor is the type of electrical component that consists of conductive surfaces separated by an insulator. This is the fundamental structure of a capacitor - two conductive plates (surfaces) with an insulating dielectric between them. Capacitors are constructed with two conductive surfaces (plates or foils) separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. The dielectric can be air, paper, plastic, ceramic, or other insulating materials. This structure allows the capacitor to store electrical energy in the electric field between the plates. The capacitance depends on the plate area, distance between plates, and dielectric material. This construction is unique to capacitors.
考试技巧
Capacitor structure = Conductive surfaces + insulator. Remember: Capacitors consist of two conductive surfaces (plates) separated by an insulating dielectric material.
记忆口诀
**C**apacitor = **C**onductive **S**urfaces + **I**nsulator (think 'C = CSI')
实际应用示例
You're examining a capacitor. You see two metal plates (conductive surfaces) with a plastic film (insulator) between them. This structure allows the capacitor to store electrical energy. The insulator prevents direct current flow while allowing the electric field to exist between the plates.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Resistors are typically made of resistive material (carbon, metal film, wire), not conductive surfaces separated by an insulator. They don't have this structure. Option B: Incorrect. Potentiometers are variable resistors with a resistive element and a wiper, not conductive surfaces separated by an insulator. Option C: Incorrect. Oscillators are circuits that generate signals, not components with conductive surfaces separated by an insulator. They're made of multiple components.
知识点
Capacitor, Conductive surfaces, Insulator, Dielectric
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.