What is the difference between active and passive electronic components?

Active components require a source of energy, while passive components do not.

Active electronic components, such as transistors and integrated circuits, require a source of energy to function. They are capable of amplifying signals, generating oscillations, and performing other signal processing functions. Active components can also be used to switch signals on and off, making them useful in digital circuits.

Passive electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, do not require a source of energy to function. They are used to modify signals, such as reducing the amplitude of a signal with a resistor or storing charge with a capacitor. Passive components are also used to filter signals, such as removing high-frequency noise with a capacitor or low-pass filter.

The main difference between active and passive components is that active components require a source of energy, while passive components do not. This means that active components are capable of amplifying and processing signals, while passive components are used to modify and filter signals. Understanding the difference between active and passive components is important in designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits.