What is the purpose of a trace on a circuit board?

The purpose of a trace on a circuit board is to connect two components or devices. Traces serve as conductive pathways that allow electrical signals to flow between various electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits on the board. This interconnection is crucial for the circuit to function correctly, as it facilitates communication and power distribution throughout the electronic system.

While other options touch on different aspects of circuit board functionality, they do not accurately define the primary role of a trace. For example, power distribution (related to supplying power to the CPU) is a function of traces, but the trace itself is not exclusively designated for powering a component. Similarly, cooling down circuits or enhancing signal quality are external factors that may involve other components or design considerations, but the primary function of a trace remains one of connectivity.