Which component is commonly used to limit current in a circuit?

A resistor is commonly used to limit current in a circuit due to its inherent property of resistance, which opposes the flow of electric current. According to Ohm's Law, the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R) is given by the equation V = I × R. When a resistor is introduced into a circuit, it effectively reduces the amount of current that can flow for a given voltage.

Resistors can be found in various applications where it is essential to control the current to protect components from excess current, which could lead to overheating or damage. Additionally, resistors are frequently used in various configurations, such as in series or parallel arrangements, allowing for tailored control of current flow as per the circuit requirements.

Other components like capacitors and inductors do not primarily serve the function of limiting current in the same straightforward manner as resistors. Capacitors store and release energy, while inductors resist changes in current due to their ability to store energy in a magnetic field. Diodes allow current to flow in one direction but do not limit current in the way a resistor does. Thus, resistors are the most practical and effective components for current limitation in electrical circuits.