Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

True or False: An increase in electrons at a negative terminal raises voltage.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in AC circuits

4. Only in DC circuits

The correct answer is: True

The statement that an increase in electrons at a negative terminal raises voltage is true because voltage, or electric potential difference, is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge available to move electrons between two points in an electric circuit. When there is an accumulation of electrons at the negative terminal, it means there is a higher concentration of negative charge compared to the positive terminal. This concentration difference creates an electric field and establishes a potential difference (voltage) between the terminals. As the number of electrons increases, the electric potential at the negative terminal increases, leading to a higher voltage relative to the positive terminal. In circuits, regardless of whether they are alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), the basic principle of voltage relating to charge density at the terminals holds true. Hence, an increase in electrons correlates with an increase in voltage at the negative terminal.