In electrical terms, what is a capacitor primarily used for?

A capacitor is primarily used to store energy in the form of an electric field. When a voltage is applied across the terminals of a capacitor, it accumulates and stores electrical charge. This stored energy can then be released when needed in a circuit, making capacitors essential in various applications such as smoothing out voltage fluctuations, filtering signals, and providing power in short bursts for devices that require quick surges of energy.

Capacitors play a significant role in timing circuits, coupling signals between different stages of amplifiers, and even in power supply circuits where they help stabilize voltage levels. Their ability to hold and release energy efficiently is a fundamental characteristic that defines their function in electrical systems.