Basic DC circuit composition: A minimal practical electric circuit requires which set of components to operate and deliver useful work?

Introduction / Context:
Identifying the minimal set of elements for a functioning circuit is crucial for design, analysis, and troubleshooting. A circuit must provide energy, a path for charge movement, and a place where energy is converted to useful form.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Direct current example, but the logic applies to AC as well.
• Load represents any device that converts electrical energy to another form.
• Conductive path is continuous and closes the loop.

Concept / Approach:
A circuit requires: (1) a source of electromotive force, (2) a closed conducting loop, and (3) a load that consumes power. Without any of these, current will not flow usefully: no source means no motive force, an open path means no current, and no load means no purposeful energy conversion.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the energy provider: voltage source.Ensure a closed path exists: wires or traces forming a complete loop.Include a load: resistor, lamp, motor, or electronics that utilize the energy.

Verification / Alternative check:
Power balance: P = V * I is dissipated in the load. If the loop is open, I = 0; if there is no source, V = 0; if there is no load, power is not usefully consumed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Load, resistor, path: missing the source; a resistor is one type of load, so the list is incomplete and redundant.
• Source, path, and a battery: battery is a source; this duplicates the source and omits the load.
• Path, battery, copper wire: lacks an explicit load; wire is part of the path.
• Switch, inductor, fuse: none provides a driving source or guaranteed load.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any component trio makes a circuit; forgetting the loop closure requirement.

Final Answer:
A voltage source, a load, and a conductive path for current