Which device is typically used to start, stop, or reverse current in a circuit?

• A. Capacitors
• B. Switches
• C. Relays
• D. Batteries

Answer: (B)

Controlling electrical current is done with a switch. A switch directly makes or breaks the circuit, letting current start when it’s closed and stop when it’s opened. For reversing direction, a multi-pole switch (like a DPDT) can swap the connections so the current path is flipped, effectively reversing the load’s motion. Capacitors store energy and can affect current during charging or discharging, but they don’t provide intentional on/off control. Batteries supply power but don’t switch the circuit themselves. Relays perform switching under a control signal, but the fundamental device used to start, stop, or reverse current on demand is the switch.