Question

You are installing a known good NIC in a computer, and a spark jumps from your hand to the NIC. You install the NIC and discover that the NIC no longer operates correctly. What has most likely caused the NIC to malfunction?

a) EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
b) ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)
c) A power sag

Answer 1

The NIC was likely damaged by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), which can occur when electrically charged objects come into contact and cause a sudden flow of electricity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The malfunction of the NIC after a spark jumped from your hand is most likely caused by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). ESD occurs when there is a sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact.

This discharge can damage or destroy sensitive electronic components, such as a NIC, without proper grounding or protection.