TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

Which component in a laser printer prepares the photosensitive drum for writing?

1. Transfer corona

2. Primary corona

3. Fuser assembly

4. Image drum

The correct answer is: Primary corona

The primary corona is the component in a laser printer that prepares the photosensitive drum for writing by applying a high voltage to it. This charging process creates a uniform electrical charge across the surface of the drum, which is essential for the subsequent steps in the printing process. Once the drum is charged, it becomes receptive to the laser beam, which selectively discharges specific areas of the drum to create the desired image or text. This interaction allows the toner to adhere only to the areas that have been exposed to the laser light, ultimately leading to the transfer of the toner onto the paper during the printing process. The role of the primary corona is crucial because if the drum is not properly charged, the toner will not stick correctly, resulting in poor print quality. Other components, such as the transfer corona and the fuser assembly, have different functions in the printing process, focusing on transferring the toner from the drum to the paper and permanently bonding it, respectively. The image drum is the photosensitive surface itself and is not responsible for charging it, making the primary corona the correct answer in this context.