Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Electronics & Gadgets

Circuit Symbols Quiz: Can You Identify Every Electrical Symbol?

Take the Electrical Schematic Symbols Test and Prove Your Skills!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for electrical symbols quiz on a sky blue background

This electrical symbols test helps you name circuit symbols on sight and get faster at reading schematics. Spot resistors, capacitors, diodes, switches, and more to find gaps before a lab or exam, or warm up with a short circuit quiz .

What electrical component is represented by a zigzag line symbol?
Resistor
Thermistor
Capacitor
Inductor
The zigzag line is the universal symbol for a resistor, indicating resistance in a circuit. Unlike inductors, which use coils, or capacitors, which use parallel lines, resistors are drawn as a series of jagged lines. Thermistors are a type of resistor but are specifically temperature-dependent and are not represented by a simple zigzag. This symbol is covered in standard electronics references such as Wikipedia .
Which component is represented by two parallel lines of equal length?
Polarized capacitor
Non-polarized capacitor
Battery
Inductor
A non-polarized capacitor is depicted by two parallel lines of equal length, showing plates separated by a dielectric. Polarized capacitors use one curved line to indicate the negative plate. Batteries use a series of alternating long and short lines, while inductors use coiled loops. Further details can be found on Wikipedia .
Which symbol illustrates an inductor?
Two parallel lines
Coiled loops
Zigzag line
Circle with arrow
Inductors are shown as a series of coiled loops that represent the windings around a core. Resistors appear as zigzag lines, while capacitors appear as parallel lines. Voltage and current sources use circle-based symbols, not coils. More information is available on Wikipedia .
Which symbol consists of a triangle pointing to a line?
Light-emitting diode
Diode
Zener diode
Schottky diode
The basic diode symbol is a triangle pointing to a line, indicating current flow direction. LEDs add arrows to show light emission, and Zener/Schottky diodes have additional marks. This core shape identifies the standard semiconductor diode. See details at Wikipedia .
Which symbol represents a single-pole single-throw (SPST) switch?
Rectangle with line
A simple break in a line with a lever
Two throws and one pole
Circle with slash
An SPST switch is shown as a single break in a line with a movable lever connecting two terminals. SPDT switches show one input and two outputs, while other symbols depict different contacts. The SPST symbol is covered in electronics tutorials such as Electronics Notes .
Which symbol is a DC voltage source?
Circle with + and - inside
Series of long and short lines
Circle with sine wave
Triangle with arrow
A DC voltage source is typically drawn as a circle with plus and minus signs inside, indicating polarity. An AC source uses a sine wave symbol, and a battery icon uses alternating long and short lines. Current sources use a circle with an arrow. More at Wikipedia .
Which symbol denotes earth (protective) ground?
One horizontal line and an inverted triangle
Three horizontal lines of decreasing width
Single downward line with bars
No connection symbol
The earth ground symbol uses three horizontal lines of decreasing length stacked vertically, indicating a protective earth connection. Chassis ground and signal ground use different patterns. Standard references like Electronics Tutorials explain this .
Which symbol represents a fuse?
Zigzag line
Circle with an F
Coiled loop
Rectangle or an S-shape in series with a line
A fuse is often shown as a small rectangle or stylized S-shaped element in series with a conductor. It indicates a protective device that melts under overcurrent. This differs from resistors or inductors. Learn more at Wikipedia .
Which symbol depicts a polarized (electrolytic) capacitor?
One straight line and one curved line
Coiled loops
Two symmetrical lines
Circle with + sign
Polarized capacitors are drawn with one straight plate and one curved plate to indicate positive and negative terminals. Non-polarized types have matching plates. Inductors and sources have completely different symbols. See Wikipedia .
Which symbol shows a light-emitting diode (LED)?
Triangle with Z-shaped line
Triangle and line only
Circle with diode inside
Triangle pointing to a line with two arrows outward
An LED symbol builds on the basic diode by adding two small arrows pointing away from the junction, indicating light emission. Standard diodes lack these arrows. Zener and Schottky diodes have additional lines or bends. Details are in electronics references like Electronics Tutorials .
Which component uses a diode symbol with bent edges on the cathode line?
Standard diode
Light-emitting diode
Zener diode
Schottky diode
Zener diodes are shown with bent edges on the cathode line to distinguish their voltage-regulating function. Standard diodes have straight lines, while Schottky types have an additional diode-like curve. LEDs include arrows for light. See more at Wikipedia .
Which symbol represents an AC voltage source?
Circle with a sine wave inside
Triangle with arrow
Series of long and short lines
Circle with + and -
An AC source is drawn as a circle containing a sine wave symbol to indicate alternating current. DC sources use plus and minus signs, and batteries use line stacks. The circle without wave is reserved for generic voltage sources. For details see Wikipedia .
Which symbol denotes an independent current source?
Triangle pointing to line
Circle with + and -
Circle with an arrow inside
Coiled loop
Independent current sources are shown as a circle with an arrow indicating current direction. Voltage sources use plus/minus signs, and inductors use coils. The arrow is key to recognizing a current source. More at Wikipedia .
Which symbol represents a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch?
One input connecting to two outputs
Rectangle with lever
Single break in a line
Circle with S inside
An SPDT switch shows one common terminal that can connect to either of two terminals, illustrating two throws. SPST only has one throw. Graphic references like Electronics Notes illustrate this difference .
Which symbol denotes a momentary push-button switch (normally open)?
Spring-loaded contacts depicted open
Circle with P
Closed lever contacts
Rectangle with diagonal line
A normally open push-button is shown with spring-loaded contacts that are open until pressed. Symbols show the actuating mechanism and open state. Other switches remain closed or have different contact symbols. Tutorials such as Electronics Tutorials explain push-button symbols .
Which symbol indicates chassis (frame) ground?
Square with G
Three decreasing horizontal lines
Single horizontal line with three descending lines
Circle with downward arrow
Chassis ground is represented by a single horizontal line with three lines descending straight down, indicating a connection to the equipment frame. Earth ground uses multiple horizontal lines of decreasing width. Signal ground uses a different symbol of bars. Details at Electronics Tutorials .
Which symbol represents a variable resistor (rheostat)?
Resistor with zigzag only
Resistor with arrows at ends
Resistor with circle
Resistor with an arrow through it
A rheostat or variable resistor is shown as a fixed resistor symbol with an arrow across it, indicating adjustability. Potentiometers have the arrow pointing to the body. The plain zigzag denotes a fixed resistor. More info at Wikipedia .
Which symbol denotes a potentiometer?
Resistor with arrow through body
Resistor with a sliding contact arrow to the resistor
Fixed resistor
Variable inductor symbol
A potentiometer is drawn as a resistor with an arrow pointing to its middle, indicating a three-terminal adjustable device. Rheostats show an arrow across the body, while fixed resistors lack arrows. Details on symbol usage are available at Wikipedia .
Which symbol represents a transformer?
Circle with sine wave
Two inductors with lines between them
Coiled loop with arrow
Two parallel lines
Transformers use two inductor coils drawn side by side with connecting lines to show the magnetic core. The lines represent shared core flux. Single inductors or sources use different symbols. See Wikipedia .
Which symbol denotes an operational amplifier?
Triangle with plus and minus inputs
Circle with op inside
Rectangle with arrows
Diamond shape
An operational amplifier is drawn as a triangle with a plus and minus input on one side and an output on the other. This symbol highlights its differential input and high gain. Comparators and buffers differ by internal markings. For reference see Wikipedia .
Which symbol represents an NPN bipolar junction transistor?
Arrow pointing out of the emitter
Box with three terminals
Circle with arrow inside
Arrow pointing into the emitter
An NPN transistor symbol shows an arrow on the emitter pointing outward, indicating conventional current flow direction. PNP transistors have the arrow pointing inward. The circle is optional. Details at Wikipedia .
Which symbol represents a PNP bipolar junction transistor?
Arrow pointing out of the emitter
Arrow pointing into the emitter
Circle with PNP text
Arrow on base
The PNP transistor is shown with an arrow on the emitter pointing inward, indicating the direction of conventional current flow. NPN has the arrow outward. Circuit diagrams often omit the circle around the junction. Learn more at Wikipedia .
Which symbol denotes an N-channel MOSFET?
Arrow pointing toward substrate
Three-terminal device with arrow pointing away on substrate
Circle with FET text
Box with three lines
An N-channel MOSFET shows an arrow on the substrate pointing away from the gate, illustrating channel type. The gate, drain, and source are clearly marked. P-channel has the arrow reversed. For details see Wikipedia .
Which symbol represents a P-channel MOSFET?
No arrow
Arrow on gate terminal
Arrow pointing toward the channel on the substrate
Arrow pointing away on the substrate
The P-channel MOSFET symbol features an arrow on the substrate pointing toward the channel, indicating that it conducts when the gate is pulled negative. N-channel devices have an arrow pointing away. This subtle distinction is key in advanced schematics. Refer to Wikipedia .
Which symbol denotes a metal-oxide varistor (MOV)?
Diode with reversed triangle
Resistor shape with two arrows pointing toward it
Zigzag line with lightning bolt
Circle with V inside
A varistor is shown as a resistor-like zigzag with two arrows pointing towards the center, indicating voltage-dependent resistance. It protects circuits from surges. This unique symbol is covered by surge protection references. See Wikipedia .
0
{"name":"What electrical component is represented by a zigzag line symbol?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What electrical component is represented by a zigzag line symbol?, Which component is represented by two parallel lines of equal length?, Which symbol illustrates an inductor?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Recognize Common Symbols -

    Identify and name essential electrical schematic symbols, including resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes.

  2. Differentiate Circuit Components -

    Distinguish between various circuit elements by their symbols and understand their unique functions within an electronic system.

  3. Interpret Schematic Diagrams -

    Analyze simple circuit layouts to trace connections and verify how components interact in a complete electronic circuit.

  4. Apply Symbol Knowledge -

    Use your understanding of circuit symbols to accurately read and annotate electrical diagrams for troubleshooting or design purposes.

  5. Enhance Diagnostic Skills -

    Improve your ability to quickly spot incorrect or missing symbols, boosting confidence in circuit analysis and repair tasks.

  6. Prepare for Advanced Learning -

    Build a solid foundation in electronic circuit symbols to support further study or certification in electrical engineering.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Resistor Symbols & Color Codes -

    When tackling an electrical symbols test, identify the zigzag (IEEE) or rectangular (IEC) resistor icon. Review the color-code mnemonic "BB ROY of Great Britain has a Very Good Wife" to translate bands like Red-Orange-Brown into 2.3 kΩ. MIT's OpenCourseWare notes that mastering these visuals speeds up any circuit symbols quiz.

  2. Capacitor & Polarized Capacitor Icons -

    In the electronic circuit symbols test, a non-polarized capacitor uses two parallel lines while a polarized type includes a plus sign at the positive plate. Texas Instruments application notes recommend always drawing the longer electrode as positive to cement orientation in your memory. This trick prevents mixed connections in any circuit symbols quiz or circuit short test.

  3. Diodes & Transistor Basics -

    Spotting diodes in the electrical schematic symbols test means noting the triangle arrow toward a bar, which shows conventional current direction. BJT transistors add three terminals - base, collector, and emitter - with an arrow on the emitter; recall "EAB" (Emitter Arrow points At Base) to keep NPN vs PNP straight. Current amplification follows IC = β·IB, a staple relation from IEEE journals when analyzing circuits.

  4. Ground & Power Rail Symbols -

    On an electrical symbols test, distinguish earth ground (three descending lines), chassis ground (nested triangles or two lines), and signal ground (single horizontal line). IEC 60617 standards clarify that three-line earth icons should never be swapped with chassis symbols to avoid safety issues. Remember "3 for earth, 2 for frame, 1 for signal" when you face any circuit symbols quiz.

  5. Switches & Connector Icons -

    Recognizing switch symbols in an electronic circuit symbols test involves SPST (single input-output) shown as a simple break and SPDT (one pole directing to two throws) like a railroad switch. Power electronics labs often reference NIST guides calling SPDT a "rail switch" to visualize the diverging paths. Practicing with these icons ensures you breeze through any circuit symbols quiz or circuit short test.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Electronics & Gadgets Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker