Which electrical component can be traced using the circuit’s power supply?

The correct choice highlights the load as the electrical component that can be traced using the circuit’s power supply. In electrical circuits, the load is the component that consumes electrical energy, converting it into another form of energy, such as light, heat, or motion. Because the power supply delivers current to the load, it is possible to trace the load's location by following the flow of electricity from the power source through the circuit components.

When examining a circuit, one can begin at the power supply and follow the path to the load, identifying how the electrical energy flows and is utilized. This tracing process helps in troubleshooting or understanding the circuit's operation, as the load is directly responsible for the circuit’s output.

While ground, panel boards, and switches are essential components within an electrical system, they do not function in the same way regarding tracing back to the power supply. Ground serves as a safety mechanism, panel boards distribute electric power, and switches control the flow but do not provide a load that can be actively traced back to the source through energy consumption. Therefore, focusing on the load elucidates its critical role in the interaction with the power supply, making it the component that is best traced in a practical setting.