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In electronics, the terms active and passive refer to two categories of components or devices, based on how they interact with electrical energy.
Active Components
Active components are those that require a power source to operate and can amplify signals or control the flow of electricity. They are capable of adding energy to a circuit. These components typically contain a power supply or can generate power. Active components can be turned on or off and often have a controlling effect on the current or voltage.
Examples of Active Components:
Passive Components
Passive components are those that do not require an external power source to operate. They cannot amplify signals or control electrical energy. Instead, they either store energy (like capacitors) or resist the flow of electrical current (like resistors).
Examples of Passive Components:
Summary of Differences:
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Active Components
Active components are those that require a power source to operate and can amplify signals or control the flow of electricity. They are capable of adding energy to a circuit. These components typically contain a power supply or can generate power. Active components can be turned on or off and often have a controlling effect on the current or voltage.Examples of Active Components:
- Transistor: A transistor amplifies signals and is used in amplifiers, oscillators, and switches.
- Diode (in some cases): A diode can control the direction of current flow, and in a circuit, it may allow current in one direction and block it in the opposite.
- Integrated Circuits (ICs): These are combinations of many active components like transistors and diodes packaged together to perform specific functions, such as amplifying, switching, or processing signals.
Passive Components
Passive components are those that do not require an external power source to operate. They cannot amplify signals or control electrical energy. Instead, they either store energy (like capacitors) or resist the flow of electrical current (like resistors).Examples of Passive Components:
- Resistor: It resists the flow of current in a circuit and is used to limit current or divide voltage.
- Capacitor: A capacitor stores electrical energy temporarily and releases it when needed. It can smooth out electrical signals.
- Inductor: An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. It resists changes in current.
Summary of Differences:
- Active components need a power supply and can control or amplify electrical energy (e.g., transistor, diode).
- Passive components don’t require a power supply and cannot amplify signals (e.g., resistor, capacitor).
Let me know if you'd like more detailed examples or clarification!