What are the basic types of electronic components?

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Basic electronic components fall into Passive (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors) and Active (Diodes, Transistors, ICs) types, plus Electromechanical (Switches, Relays) and Optoelectronic (LEDs, Sensors), all working as building blocks to control electricity for specific functions in circuits, from simple energy storage to complex signal processing.

Passive Components (Store/Release Energy)

• Resistors: Limit or resist current flow (e.g., controlling LED brightness).
  
• Capacitors: Store electrical energy in an electric field, used for filtering or timing.
  
• Inductors: Store energy in a magnetic field, used in filters and transformers (coils). 
  

Active Components (Amplify/Generate Signals)

• Diodes: Allow current in one direction (rectification, LEDs).
  
• Transistors: Amplify signals or act as electronic switches (BJT, MOSFET).
  
• Integrated Circuits (ICs): Miniaturized circuits containing many components (e.g., Op-Amps, Microcontrollers). 
  

Electromechanical Components (Electrical/Mechanical Action)

• Switches/Relays: Control circuit connections mechanically, using electricity to switch other circuits. 
  

Other Important Types

• Optoelectronic: Components that interact with light (LEDs, Photodiodes, Sensors).
  
• Power Sources: Batteries, DC/AC sources.
  
• Sensors: Convert physical phenomena (light, temp) to electrical signals.