Maximum power transfer occurs when the load impedance equals what?

Maximum power transfer occurs when the load impedance matches the internal impedance of the source. This principle is rooted in the maximum power transfer theorem, which states that to achieve the highest possible power transfer from a source to a load, the load impedance should be equal to the source's internal impedance.

When the load impedance equals the internal impedance of the source, it creates the optimal condition for power transfer because it minimizes reflections and loss in the circuit. In this scenario, the circuit operates efficiently, maximizing the amount of power delivered to the load instead of being lost in the source or mismatched components.

In contrast, having a zero impedance load would not allow for effective current flow since it would short circuit the output. A load impedance equal to the internal resistance of the load or double the internal resistance of the source does not follow the principle of maximum power transfer, as these configurations would cause either inadequate power delivery or unnecessary loss. Thus, aligning the load impedance with the internal impedance of the source is essential for maximizing the efficiency of power transfer in electrical systems.