What is an example of a passive electrical component in aviation?

A resistor is classified as a passive electrical component because it does not produce energy; instead, it dissipates energy in the form of heat when an electric current flows through it. Resistors are fundamental in controlling current flow and voltage levels within various circuits. They can be used to adjust signal levels, divide voltages, bias active components, and terminate transmission lines, making them essential in aviation's electrical systems.

In contrast, inductors and diodes can store and modify energy in various ways, while transistors are active components as they can amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. The functionality and characteristics of a resistor, namely its inability to generate power, clearly categorize it as passive, aligning with the definition of passive components in electrical engineering.