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 Rstatic = 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 Rstatic &gt; 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 &gt; 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 Rstatic &lt; 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 &lt; 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.
File:Quadrants of IV plane.svg by Chetvorno
Д.Ильин: translation