In a circuit, two types of elements that would cause an electric potential drop are:
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Resistors - These components resist the flow of electric current, causing a drop in voltage as the current passes through them.
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Inductors - These store energy in a magnetic field when current flows through them and can cause a drop in voltage due to their opposition to changes in current.
One type of element that would cause an electric potential gain in a circuit is:
- Voltage Sources (like batteries or power supplies) - These provide a higher potential difference, effectively increasing the voltage across the circuit when connected.