Key idea: multimeter in resistance mode

In resistance mode, the multimeter uses its internal battery to pass a small current through the component and observes the resulting current/deflection.

• If the component conducts in that direction, the meter shows deflection.
• If it does not conduct, the meter shows no deflection.
• Reversing probes changes polarity across the component.

Check each option

Option A: Metal wire

A metal wire is an ordinary conductor with very small resistance and is non-polar. So, whether probes are connected one way or reversed, current flows in both cases.

Hence the meter should show deflection in both cases, not no deflection in both cases.

Therefore, A will NOT be observed.

Option B: LED

An LED is a diode, so it conducts mainly in one direction only.

• In forward bias, the multimeter may show deflection, and with sufficient current the LED may glow.
• On reversing probes, it becomes reverse biased, so ideally there is no deflection.

Thus, this behavior can be observed.

Option C: Resistor

A resistor is also non-polar. Its resistance is same in either direction, so the multimeter should show equal deflection in both cases.

Thus, this behavior can be observed.

Option D: Capacitor

A capacitor does not behave like “no deflection in both cases” when checked with an analog multimeter in resistance mode.

When probes are connected across a capacitor:

• initially, charging current flows,
• so the meter gives a momentary deflection,
• then as the capacitor gets charged, current drops to zero and pointer returns.

On reversing probes, it again shows a momentary deflection due to discharge/recharge in opposite direction.

So no deflection in both cases is not observed.

Now determine the correct MCQ answer

We need the option that will NOT be observed.

• A: Not observed
• B: Observed
• C: Observed
• D: Not observed

So physically, both A and D are not observed.

Comparison with stored answer

Since this is a single-correct MCQ but both A and D are incorrect statements, the question appears flawed.

The stored answer is D, but A is also not observed. Therefore I do not fully agree with the stored answer.

If forced to choose one based on common textbook emphasis, many examiners focus on capacitor’s transient deflection and may expect D, but strictly speaking A is also wrong.