In basic circuit analysis using Ohm’s law, which type of electrical load is modeled as containing pure resistance only (i.e., no inductance or capacitance)?

• A. A purely reactive load (with zero resistance)
• B. An inductive load (e.g., an ideal inductor)
• C. A capacitive load (e.g., an ideal capacitor)
• D. A resistive load (e.g., an ideal resistor)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in circuit analysis, electrical loads can be characterized by their impedance, which may include resistance (R), inductance (L), and capacitance (C).
2. Recognize that a purely resistive load means the load has only resistance and no reactance, so its impedance is purely real with no imaginary component.
3. Recall that inductive loads introduce inductance, which causes the current to lag the voltage, and capacitive loads introduce capacitance, causing the current to lead the voltage; both have reactive components.
4. Identify that a purely reactive load has zero resistance and only reactance, which is not the case for a resistive load.
5. Conclude that the type of electrical load modeled as containing pure resistance only (no inductance or capacitance) is a resistive load, such as an ideal resistor.