Passive Network/Element:- Passive network is one, which contains no source of emf in it i.e., R, L, C.
An element that is capable of receiving power is called passive element Ex: Resistor, Inductor, Capacitor.
Active Network/Element:- Active network is one that contains one or more than one source of emf, then the network is called active network.
An element that is capable of supplying power is called active element. Examples are current source, voltage source, battery, cell, Transistor, etc.