Which device stores energy in an electric field?

A capacitor is a device that stores energy in an electric field.

It typically consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. When a voltage is applied, opposite charges accumulate on the plates, creating an electric field between them. The stored energy can later be released into a circuit.

A capacitor’s ability to store charge is called capacitance and is measured in farads. Capacitance depends on factors such as plate area, separation, and the dielectric material. Larger plate area and a thinner dielectric generally increase capacitance.

Capacitors are used for smoothing power supplies, filtering signals, timing circuits, energy storage, and camera flashes. They differ from batteries because they store energy electrostatically rather than mainly through chemical reactions, and they can usually charge and discharge much more quickly.