Which component commonly limits the current flowing through a LED?

The component that commonly limits the current flowing through a LED is a resistor. When a LED is connected in a circuit, it has a specific forward voltage and operates best within a certain range of current. Without a current-limiting device, the LED may draw too much current, which can lead to overheating and damage.

A resistor is used in series with the LED to control the amount of current flowing through it. By selecting an appropriate resistor value, one can ensure that the current remains within safe limits, matching the specifications of the LED. This is crucial for the longevity and performance of the LED.

Other components like capacitors, transistors, and inductors serve different functions in electronic circuits. Capacitors store and release energy, transistors can control current or signal amplification, and inductors store energy in a magnetic field when current flows through them. While these components can play important roles in LED circuits, they do not primarily serve to limit current in the same way that a resistor does.