ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Electronics Information (EI)Medium

Which type of semiconductor device is commonly used as an electronic switch or amplifier?

  1. ACapacitor
  2. BResistor
  3. CInductor
  4. DTransistor
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Transistor

A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is one of the fundamental building blocks of modern electronic devices.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Capacitors store electrical energy in an electric field.
  • B. Resistors are passive components that oppose current flow.
  • C. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field.

Transistor

A semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power.

  • Has at least three terminals (e.g., Base, Collector, Emitter for BJT; Gate, Drain, Source for FET).
  • Can operate as a switch (on/off) or an amplifier (boosting signal strength).
  • Forms the basis of integrated circuits and modern digital electronics.

Memory trick: Switches & Amps are Transistors' Main Jobs.

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