What term describes a device that makes, breaks, or changes connections in an electrical circuit?

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Study for the Nebraska Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The term that describes a device which makes, breaks, or changes connections in an electrical circuit is a switch.

Switches are integral components in electrical systems, allowing users to control the flow of electricity. When a switch is in the "on" position, it completes the circuit and allows current to flow, making the connection. Conversely, when it is turned "off," it breaks the connection, stopping the flow of electricity. This ability to open or close a circuit is essential for operating a wide range of electrical devices and ensuring safety.

While receptacles, breakers, and transformers play important roles in electrical systems, they function differently. Receptacles provide a point of connection for electrical devices to plug into the power supply, rather than controlling the flow of electricity. Circuit breakers serve to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity in case of overload or fault conditions for safety purposes but do not offer manual control for making or breaking connections in a circuit. Transformers are used to change the voltage of alternating current (AC) in a circuit, but they do not switch connections like a switch does.

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