Editing Electrical network (section)

===By linearity===
[[Linear circuit|Linear]] electrical networks, a special type consisting only of sources (voltage or current), linear lumped elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors), and linear distributed elements (transmission lines), have the property that signals are [[Superposition principle|linearly superimposable]].  They are thus more easily analyzed, using powerful [[frequency domain]] methods such as [[Laplace transform]]s, to determine [[direct current|DC response]], [[alternating current|AC response]], and [[transient response]].

Passive networks are generally taken to be linear, but there are exceptions.  For instance, an [[inductor]] with an iron core can be driven into [[Saturation (magnetic)|saturation]] if driven with a large enough current.  In this region, the behaviour of the inductor is very non-linear.