Final answer:
A passive component is an element in an electrical circuit that does not generate energy, such as a resistor, inductor, or capacitor, which dissipate, store, or release energy but do not provide power themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes an element within an electrical circuit that is not a source of energy is a passive component. Passive components, such as resistors, inductors, and capacitors, do not generate energy but can dissipate, store, or release it. A resistor is used to control the current flow in the circuit, creating a voltage drop and dissipating energy as heat. An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it, whereas a capacitor stores energy in an electric field.
It's important to understand that while these components are essential for managing energy within a circuit, they do not provide power themselves. Other common types of circuit elements include diodes, which are not considered passive components because they can control the direction of current flow in a circuit, and switches, which can open or close the circuit.