Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the negative terminal of a battery?

1. It has a surplus of electrons

2. It has a surplus of protons

3. It is positively charged

4. It is a ground connection

The correct answer is: It has a surplus of electrons

The negative terminal of a battery is characterized by having a surplus of electrons. In an electrochemical cell, the chemical reactions that occur produce an excess of electrons at the negative terminal, which is then designated as the cathode in a galvanic cell. This surplus of electrons creates a negative charge relative to the positive terminal, which has a deficit of electrons. This understanding is crucial for comprehending how batteries function and how electrical circuits are completed through the flow of electric current, which is the movement of electrons from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal. The knowledge of the behavior of battery terminals is essential for any electrician when designing, troubleshooting, or working with electrical systems, as it influences how components are connected and how they behave in circuits.