What is represented in a schematic diagram?

A schematic diagram is an essential tool in depicting electrical or fluid power systems through the use of standardized symbols. These symbols represent various components and their interconnections, providing a clear visual representation of how the system operates. The purpose of a schematic is to convey the functional relationships and flow within the system without concern for the physical layout.

For example, in an electrical schematic, you might see symbols for resistors, capacitors, diodes, and other essential elements, along with lines that indicate how they are connected in the circuit. This is a crucial aspect for technicians and engineers as it allows for troubleshooting, design modifications, and understanding the system's operation without physically manipulating the components.

In contrast, other options like the physical locations of components or thermal conditions focus more on other aspects of system documentation rather than the functional layout represented in a schematic. General operational procedures would also not directly relate to the schematic diagram, as they focus on processes rather than the relationships between components. Therefore, using symbols to illustrate an electrical or fluid power system is the defining characteristic of a schematic diagram.