Ideal current source model: Does an ideal current source have zero internal resistance, or is its internal resistance effectively infinite?

Introduction / Context:Ideal sources are simplified models that help us reason about circuit limits. While an ideal voltage source maintains a fixed voltage regardless of current, an ideal current source maintains a fixed current regardless of voltage. Their internal resistances reflect these behaviors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ideal current source supplies a specified current independent of terminal voltage.
• Two-terminal representation with an implicit internal resistance.
• No compliance voltage limit in the ideal model.

Concept / Approach:

An ideal current source is modeled as having infinite internal resistance (open-circuit behavior internally) so that variations in load voltage do not change its current. Any finite internal resistance would shunt some current and allow the delivered current to vary with terminal voltage, contradicting the ideal definition.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Duality with ideal voltage source (which has zero internal resistance) confirms the concept: current and voltage sources are complementary in their ideal resistance properties.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Zero internal resistance describes an ideal voltage source, not a current source.
• Hybrid statements about series/parallel resistance are not part of the ideal two-terminal model.
• DC vs AC distinction is irrelevant; the ideal property is independent of frequency.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing internal resistance of source models with external series resistors used for current limiting in practical supplies.

Final Answer:

False