Identify the symbol used for a resistor in circuit diagrams.

Identify the symbol used for a resistor in circuit diagrams.

• A. Long squiggly line
• B. Box with diagonal line inside
• C. Rectangle
• D. Circle with letter R

Answer: (A)

In circuit diagrams, the resistor is commonly shown as a long squiggly line. This zigzag shape is the familiar, widely used symbol in many textbooks and exams because it clearly identifies a two-terminal passive component that provides resistance and drops voltage according to Ohm’s law. While some standards (like IEC) use a rectangular box for a resistor, the zigzag is the conventional symbol taught in many courses, which is why that option is the best match here. The other shapes shown aren’t the standard resistor symbol in typical schematic practice.

In circuit diagrams, the resistor is commonly shown as a long squiggly line. This zigzag shape is the familiar, widely used symbol in many textbooks and exams because it clearly identifies a two-terminal passive component that provides resistance and drops voltage according to Ohm’s law. While some standards (like IEC) use a rectangular box for a resistor, the zigzag is the conventional symbol taught in many courses, which is why that option is the best match here. The other shapes shown aren’t the standard resistor symbol in typical schematic practice.