Terminology — what is the practice of making a load appear equal to a source’s internal resistance? Choose the term commonly used in circuits and systems when the load is adjusted (often via a matching network or transformer) so that it equals the source impedance.

Introduction / Context:
Interfacing a source with a load is a universal task in electronics. Designers aim either for maximum power transfer, maximum voltage transfer, or minimum reflection (in RF). The process of adjusting networks so the load “looks like” the desired value at the interface has a standard name.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider the interface at a given frequency band.
• Matching may be accomplished by resistive pads, transformers, or reactive L/C networks.
• The goal is to present the source with its preferred load value.

Concept / Approach:
Impedance matching is the general term for making the load impedance equal (or conjugate-equal in AC) to the source impedance at the interface. One objective of matching is maximum power transfer (in DC/resistive networks, RL = Rs), but in RF lines it also minimizes reflections (return loss) and standing waves.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Transmission line theory: Γ = (ZL − Z0)/(ZL + Z0). If ZL = Z0 (a matching condition), Γ = 0 and power is delivered with no reflection, confirming the matching concept.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maximum power transfer: A design objective, not the general term for the act itself.

Reflected resistance and reflected load: Terms used with transformers to describe how a load appears at another winding; they are not the broad process name.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “impedance matching” strictly with resistive equality in DC; in AC, the proper condition is conjugate matching. Confusing the goal (maximum power) with the method (matching).

Final Answer:
impedance matching