Which of the following components is classified as a load in an electrical circuit?

In an electrical circuit, a load refers to any component that consumes electrical power to perform work. An electric heater is classified as a load because it converts electrical energy into heat, thereby directly utilizing the electric current flowing through the circuit to function. This conversion of energy is what distinguishes a load from other components in the circuit.

The other components mentioned serve different roles. A transformer, for example, is designed to change the voltage level in a circuit and does not consume power in the same way a load does. A switch is simply a device that can open or close a circuit, allowing or stopping the flow of electricity without consuming it. An ammeter is an instrument used to measure the current flowing through a circuit, and while it is essential for monitoring electrical performance, it does not act as a load by consuming electrical energy. Therefore, among the options, the electric heater stands out as the component that functions as a load in the circuit.