Which of the following statements accurately defines a passive component?

A passive component is characterized by its reaction to signals without the ability to actively provide power to the circuit. This means that passive components, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors, can store or dissipate energy but do not generate energy on their own. They serve to influence the flow of electrical currents or voltages in various ways, such as changing signal amplitude or phase, but they do not add energy into the system.

In contrast, the other options describe functionalities that are typically associated with active components. For instance, introducing power into a circuit (the first choice) suggests a capability that active components have, such as transistors or batteries, which can supply power. Enhancing signal strength (the third choice) typically involves amplifiers, which are also active components. The fourth choice refers to generating electrical energy, a function performed by devices like generators or batteries, thus excluding passive components from this characteristic. Understanding these definitions helps to delineate the operational roles of passive versus active components in electronic circuits.