English: The plane representing the current i through an electronic component versus the voltage v across it (IV plane) showing the different regions. The quadrants are numbered in the corners. Static resistance is given by R_static = v/i. The power consumed by the component is given by P = iv

• In the 1st and 3rd quadrants, v and i have the same sign, so R_static > 0 the static resistance is positive. Current flows through the device from the positive to negative terminal, so the electric charges lose potential energy by doing work on the component. So P > 0 and the device consumes power from the circuit. So these quadrants represent loads, or passive devices, such as resistances.
• In the 2nd and 4th quadrants, v and i have opposite signs, so R_static < 0; the device has negative static resistance. Current is forced to flow through the device from negative to positive terminal, so the charges gain potential energy. So P < 0 and the device produces electric power which flows into the circuit. So these quadrants represent sources or active devices, such as generators and batteries.