Misidentifying polarity can lead to which of the following issues in a circuit?

Misidentifying polarity in a circuit can lead to device malfunction because electrical devices are designed to operate with specific polarity. Many devices, such as motors, capacitors, and semiconductor components, rely on the correct orientation of voltage and current flow. When the polarity is reversed, the device may not function as intended; it could fail to operate at all, produce erratic behavior, or even sustain damage.

For example, components like diodes are designed to conduct current only in one direction. If the polarity is incorrect, the diode can block the current flow, causing the circuit to fail. In more sensitive electronics, reversed polarity can lead to irreversible damage, thereby rendering the device inoperable. As this shows, proper polarity is crucial for the reliable and safe operation of electronic devices and circuits.