Definition
An electrical circuit whose opposition to current flow is produced almost entirely by resistance, with negligible inductance or capacitance. In a resistive circuit operating on alternating current, voltage and current rise and fall together (in phase), and the power consumed equals voltage multiplied by current.
Plain English
A circuit where the only thing slowing the electricity down is resistance — like the heating element in a toaster or a simple light bulb. Nothing in the circuit stores energy or shifts the timing between voltage and current.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical-system study and maintenance discussions when describing loads such as lights, heating elements, and basic test circuits.
Derivation
From Latin 'resistere' — to stand back or oppose. The circuit 'opposes' current flow without storing energy, just turning electrical energy directly into heat or light.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding resistive circuits helps diagnose steady power draw, voltage drops, and load behavior in aircraft electrical systems.
Intuition Check
Resistive does not mean the circuit is broken or refusing to work. It means resistance is the main electrical property controlling how much current flows.
Example Sentence 1
Pitot heat is a resistive circuit, so it draws a steady current the moment the switch is turned on.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight checks the mechanic confirmed the resistive circuit showed expected voltage drop across the loads.