Passive elements are the elements in a circuit that cannot deliver energy by themselves. These elements only store, absorb, or dissipate energy but do not generate or produce it. They are essential components in electrical and electronic circuits and play a crucial role in controlling and shaping the flow of electrical energy.

Key Points:
- Passive elements cannot deliver energy by themselves.
- They only store, absorb, or dissipate energy.
- They are essential components in electrical and electronic circuits.

Explanation:

1. What are passive elements?
- Passive elements are electrical components that do not have the ability to generate energy or power on their own.
- They rely on an external power source to function and perform their intended tasks.

2. Examples of passive elements:
- Resistors: Resistors are one of the most common passive elements. They resist the flow of electrical current and convert electrical energy into heat.
- Capacitors: Capacitors store electrical energy in the form of an electric field. They can release the stored energy when required but cannot generate it.
- Inductors: Inductors store electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field. They can release the stored energy when required but cannot generate it.

3. Functions of passive elements:
- Energy storage: Passive elements like capacitors and inductors can store electrical energy temporarily and release it when needed. This enables them to perform functions like filtering, smoothing, and energy transfer in a circuit.
- Energy dissipation: Resistors are passive elements that dissipate electrical energy in the form of heat. They are commonly used to limit current flow, provide voltage drops, and control power levels in a circuit.
- Signal conditioning: Passive elements are often used to shape and modify electrical signals. For example, capacitors can act as high-pass or low-pass filters to allow certain frequencies to pass while blocking others.

4. Differentiation from active elements:
- Active elements, in contrast to passive elements, have the ability to generate energy or power on their own.
- Active elements include sources of electrical energy such as batteries, generators, and power supplies, as well as active components like transistors and integrated circuits.

In conclusion, passive elements are essential components in electrical and electronic circuits that cannot deliver energy by themselves. They perform functions such as energy storage, dissipation, and signal conditioning, but rely on an external power source to function.