Which one of the following circuit elements is an active component?

Circuit elements are classified into active and passive components based on their ability to generate or control energy. Active components are those that can provide power gain, amplify signals, or perform switching operations by controlling the flow of current [1]. A transistor is a primary example of an active component because it can amplify electrical signals and requires an external power source to operate. In contrast, passive components like resistors, inductors, and capacitors cannot provide energy or power gain; they only consume, store, or release energy. Resistors limit current flow, while capacitors and inductors store energy in electric and magnetic fields, respectively. Because the transistor can achieve functions such as signal amplification and oscillation by actively influencing the supplied current, it is categorized as an active element [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: Electricity > Figure 11.4 > p. 177