Which of these components is considered a load?

In electrical systems, a load refers to any component that consumes electrical energy to perform a function. An electric heater is specifically designed to convert electrical energy into heat energy, which directly characterizes it as a load.

This transformation of energy in an electric heater showcases the relationship between power consumption and the intended output, in this case, heating. The heater takes in current and, through its resistive elements, generates heat, which is its primary function as a load in an electrical circuit.

While other components like capacitors, transformers, and relays play crucial roles in electrical circuits, they do not classify as loads in this context. Capacitors store energy temporarily and release it back into the circuit as needed, transformers transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another without consuming power, and relays act as switches controlled by electrical signals. None of these components consume power in the same way that an electric heater does, as their primary functions do not involve converting electricity into a usable form of energy, like heat.