What is the term for the part of the circuit from the load's negative terminal to ground?

• A. Ground side
• B. Return path
• C. Hot side
• D. Neutral

Answer: (A)

In circuits, current must have a path back to the source to complete the loop. When the load’s negative terminal is connected to ground, the path from that point to ground serves as the return path to the ground reference, so it’s described as the ground side. This distinguishes it from the hot side, which is the supply path bringing current to the load. Neutral is a return conductor in many AC systems, but it isn’t always the same as chassis ground unless they’re bonded at a specific point. So the segment from the load’s negative to ground is the ground side.