CompTIA A+ Core 2 Exam Preparation:

Purpose of an ESD Mat

Question

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of an ESD mat?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

A.

An ESD (electrostatic discharge) mat is a specialized mat designed to protect electronic components from static electricity. The main purpose of an ESD mat is to prevent accidental static discharge, which can damage sensitive electronic components such as computer chips, motherboards, and other hardware.

Static electricity is generated by friction, which can occur when people move around or touch different surfaces. This static electricity can build up on the human body and be discharged when the person touches an electronic component. This discharge can cause irreversible damage to the electronic component and result in costly repairs or replacements.

An ESD mat is typically made of a conductive material that helps to dissipate static electricity. The mat is connected to a grounding point, such as an electrical outlet or a grounding strap, which helps to channel the static electricity away from the electronic component and safely into the ground.

In addition to protecting electronic components from static electricity, an ESD mat can also provide a clean and safe work surface. The mat can protect against dust and dirt contamination, which can cause damage to electronic components, and it can also protect against accidental scratches.

Therefore, option A, "protects against accidental static discharge" is the best answer as it accurately describes the main purpose of an ESD mat.