Difference Between Active and Passive Components

The active and passive components are differentiated on various factors like the nature of the source, its functions, power gain, controlling the flow of current. Various examples of the component, nature of the energy, requirement of the external resistance. The Difference Between Active and Passive Components is given below in the tabulated form.

Comparison Chart

BASISACTIVE COMPONENTSPASSIVE COMPONENT
Nature of sourceActive components deliver power or energy to the circuit.Passive elements utilizes power or energy from the circuit.
Examples Diodes, Transistors, SCR, Integrated circuits etc.Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor etc.
Function of the componentDevices which produce energy in the form of voltage or current.Devices which stores energy in the form of voltage or current.
Power GainThey are capable of providing power gain.They are incapable of providing power gain.
Flow of currentActive components can control the flow of current.Passive components cannot control the flow of the current.
Requirement of external sourceThey require an external source for the operations.They do not require any external source for the operations.
Nature of energyActive components are energy donor.Passive components are energy acceptor.

In this article difference between active and passive components is explained considering various points. Active components are the elements or devices which are capable of providing or delivering energy to the circuit. Passive components are the ones that do not require any external source for the operation and are capable of storing energy in the form of voltage or current in the circuit.

Difference Between Active and Passive Components

  1. Active components are those that deliver or produce energy or power in the form of a voltage or current. Passive components are those that utilize or store energy in the form of voltage or current.
  2. Examples of the active components are diodes, transistors, SCR, integrated circuits, etc. similarly, examples of the passive components are resistor, capacitor, and inductor.
  3. Active components are capable of providing the power gain, whereas passive components are not capable of providing the power gain.
  4. Active components can control the flow of current, but passive components cannot control the flow of the current.
  5. Active components are energy donors, whereas passive components are energy acceptors.
  6. The active component does not require an external source for the operation, whereas the passive components require any external source for the operation.

Hence, in this way, active components are differentiated from passive components.

Related terms:

  1. Difference Between Active & Passive Transducer
  2. Difference Between Active and Passive Filter
  3. Difference Between Active & Reactive Power
  4. Difference Between Electrical and Electronic Devices
  5. Active, Reactive and Apparent Power

20 thoughts on “Difference Between Active and Passive Components”

  9. Galipally neha

    You said passive element doesn’t control the flow of current.
    The resistor is a passive element. What is a resistor, which controls the flow of current then? pls explain my doubt

    Reply
    1. Roshni Y

      Resistor is a passive element that cannot control the flow of current but limits the current flowing through the circuit.

      Reply
  14. Manusha Korimi

    Will you please elaborate this point:

    Requirement of external source They require an external source for the operations. They do not require any external source for the operations.

    Reply

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