Which component is designed to resist the passage of smoke?

The component that is specifically designed to resist the passage of smoke is the smoke damper. Smoke dampers play a critical role in building safety and fire protection systems by preventing smoke from traveling through the ductwork or openings during a fire event. They are installed in duct systems and are activated by smoke detection systems or fire alarms. When triggered, smoke dampers close automatically, effectively compartmentalizing the building and containing the smoke within the area of origin, allowing for safer evacuation routes and reducing the spread of smoke to other parts of the building.

In contrast, while the fire pump is essential for providing water supply for fire suppression, it does not specifically address smoke management. The sprinkler head helps control or extinguish fires by releasing water, but it does not prevent smoke from spreading. The emergency generator is crucial for ensuring that essential systems remain operational during a power outage, but it does not serve to block or contain smoke either. Thus, the smoke damper is the only component among the choices that directly focuses on controlling smoke movement.