Capacitor working principle

The major work of a capacitor is energy storage in the form of an electric field. It stores electrical energy when connected to a power source and releases it when needed. Here's a breakdown of its key functions:

1. Energy Storage:

A capacitor stores energy by accumulating opposite charges on its two plates when voltage is applied. This energy is stored as an electric field between the plates.

2. Charge and Discharge:

Capacitors can release the stored energy quickly when the circuit requires it, which makes them useful in applications like filtering, smoothing power supplies, and providing bursts of energy.

3. Filtering:

In circuits, capacitors can filter out noise or smooth voltage fluctuations, especially in power supplies or signal processing circuits.

4. Timing Circuits:

Capacitors are used in combination with resistors or inductors to create timing circuits, controlling the speed of oscillations or the timing of switching operations.

5. Coupling and Decoupling:

Capacitors can block direct current (DC) while allowing alternating current (AC) to pass, which is useful in signal transmission and amplifier circuits.

Overall, the major work of a capacitor is to store and release electrical energy efficiently, while also providing various supporting functions in electronic circuits.