circuitselements

Circuitselements, more commonly called circuit elements or electronic components, are the basic units that compose electrical circuits. They can store, convert, switch, or regulate electrical energy and are described by simple models and schematic symbols that apply across many technologies.

Elements are broadly categorized as passive or active. Passive elements do not provide net energy to a circuit; active elements can control energy flow and often require external power. The concept also includes energy sources such as batteries and power supplies, and switches that alter connectivity.

Common passive elements include resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers. Resistors limit current, capacitors store electric energy, and inductors store magnetic energy. Active elements include diodes and transistors, which enable rectification, amplification, and switching.

Elements are described by mathematical relationships and schematic symbols. Ohm's law for resistors; i = C dv/dt for capacitors; v = L di/dt for inductors. Diodes exhibit nonlinear current–voltage behavior; transistors enable current or voltage gain. Designers use standardized symbols and models in circuit analysis and simulation (for example SPICE).

Terminology varies by field, and the term circuitselements is not standard in technical literature; nevertheless, understanding circuit elements is essential for circuit design, analysis, and education across electronics, power systems, and signal processing.