Which component stores energy in an electric field?

Which component stores energy in an electric field?

• A. Inductor
• B. Capacitor
• C. Resistor
• D. Transformer

Answer: (B)

Storing energy in an electric field is what a capacitor does. A capacitor consists of two conductors separated by a dielectric. When you apply a voltage, charges accumulate on the plates, creating an electric field in the space between them. Energy is literally stored in that field. The amount of energy stored grows with both the capacitance and the square of the voltage, described by E = 1/2 C V^2 (or E = 1/2 QV). Resistors don’t store energy; they dissipate it as heat. Inductors and transformers, on the other hand, store energy in a magnetic field generated by current through coils. This is why the capacitor is the one that stores energy in an electric field.

Storing energy in an electric field is what a capacitor does. A capacitor consists of two conductors separated by a dielectric. When you apply a voltage, charges accumulate on the plates, creating an electric field in the space between them. Energy is literally stored in that field. The amount of energy stored grows with both the capacitance and the square of the voltage, described by E = 1/2 C V^2 (or E = 1/2 QV).

Resistors don’t store energy; they dissipate it as heat. Inductors and transformers, on the other hand, store energy in a magnetic field generated by current through coils. This is why the capacitor is the one that stores energy in an electric field.