Which is wrong statement for active element?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Identifying the Wrong Statement for Active Element

In electrical circuits, components are broadly classified into active and passive elements. Understanding the difference between these two types is fundamental.

What are Active Elements?

Active elements are those components that can supply energy to a circuit. They have the capability to generate power. Examples include voltage sources (like batteries) and current sources. Semiconductor devices like transistors and operational amplifiers (op-amps) are also considered active because they can control current or voltage using a smaller signal, effectively providing power gain.

Analyzing the Statements for Active Element

Let's examine each statement given in the options:

Statement 1: The elements that supply energy
This statement accurately describes active elements. As mentioned, active components are characterized by their ability to provide energy to the circuit.
Statement 2: Ability to control the flow of charge
Active elements, particularly semiconductor devices like transistors, are widely used to control the flow of charge (current) in a circuit. This is a key function of many active components used in amplification and switching applications.
Statement 3: Used for energy storage and discharge
This statement describes passive elements like capacitors and inductors. Capacitors store energy in an electric field, and inductors store energy in a magnetic field. They do not supply energy to the circuit in the long term (though they can temporarily release stored energy); they store and then discharge it. Active elements are not primarily used for energy storage and discharge in this manner.
Statement 4: Used for current control and voltage control applications
Active elements are essential for controlling current and voltage in various applications. For example, transistors are used in current and voltage regulators, amplifiers provide voltage or current gain, and op-amps are used in voltage control circuits.

Comparing the statements with the definition and characteristics of active elements, we can see that statements 1, 2, and 4 correctly describe properties or uses of active elements. Statement 3, however, describes the function of passive elements like capacitors and inductors.