Which electronic component needs to discharge electrically before the replacement of parts?

The correct choice is the capacitor. Capacitors store electrical charge temporarily, and if they are not properly discharged before being handled or replaced, they can retain a voltage that is potentially dangerous. This stored charge can cause electric shock, damage components, or lead to unintended circuit behavior if the capacitor is still charged when you attempt to replace or work on the circuit.

When replacing parts or components within electronic devices, it is essential to discharge capacitors safely to ensure that any residual voltage is eliminated. Techniques for discharging capacitors often involve using a resistor to safely dissipate stored energy.

In contrast, resistors, inductors, and diodes do not hold significant stored electrical charge in the same way capacitors do. Resistors mainly dissipate energy in the form of heat and do not retain voltage. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field rather than as electrical charge, and diodes serve to control the direction of current flow but do not store energy either. Thus, it is the capacitor that requires careful handling due to its ability to hold a charge, making it crucial to discharge it before replacement.