Capacitor stores which type of energy?

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

potential energy

Explanation: A capacitor stores energy in the form of an electrostatic field created between its conducting plates when a potential difference is applied. This stored energy is classified as electrical potential energy because it is held as a static charge separation.

Working Principle: When a voltage source is connected to a capacitor, electrons are pushed onto one plate and removed from the other, creating a charge imbalance. The work done by the external source to displace these charges against the internal electric field is stored as potential energy. This energy remains stored as long as the potential difference is maintained across the dielectric material.

Key Formulas: $W = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$ — Energy stored in a capacitor; $W = \frac{Q^2}{2C}$ — Alternative form using charge and capacitance

Key Points: Capacitors are passive electronic components that store charge.; Energy storage is proportional to the square of the applied voltage.; The medium between plates, known as the dielectric, determines the energy density.; An ideal capacitor does not dissipate energy as heat.

Advantages: Ability to charge and discharge rapidly; Acts as a DC block and AC pass filter

Disadvantages: Limited energy density compared to batteries; Subject to leakage current over time

Applications: Power factor correction; Signal filtering and decoupling; Energy storage in camera flashes; Smoothing in power supply rectifiers

Additional Info: Kinetic energy relates to motion, which is not applicable to stationary static charges.. Heat energy is typically associated with power dissipation through resistance ($I^2R$).. Vibrational energy refers to mechanical oscillations in materials.

Answer: C is correct — Capacitor stores potential energy in the form of an electrostatic field.

Exam Tip: Remember: Inductors store energy in magnetic fields ($W = \frac{1}{2}LI^2$), whereas capacitors store energy in electric fields ($W = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$).

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