The energy stored in the capacitor is of ______ nature.

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

Electrostatic

Explanation: A capacitor stores energy in the form of an electric field established between its conductive plates when a potential difference is applied. This mode of energy storage is defined as electrostatic, meaning the energy is static and derived from the charge separation on the plates.

Working Principle: When a DC voltage source is connected to a capacitor, electrons are pulled from one plate and deposited onto the other. This movement creates a charge imbalance, resulting in a potential difference ($V$) and an electric field ($E$) within the dielectric material separating the plates. The energy is held within this field until the circuit is closed, allowing the discharge of stored charge.

Key Formulas: $W = \frac{1}{2}CV^2$ — Energy stored in a capacitor; $Q = CV$ — Relation between charge, capacitance, and voltage

Key Points: Capacitors store energy in an electric field.; Inductors store energy in a magnetic field.; The energy stored is directly proportional to the square of the voltage across the capacitor.; Ideal capacitors do not dissipate energy; they only store and return it.

Advantages: High power density; Rapid charge and discharge cycles

Disadvantages: Limited energy storage capacity compared to batteries; Leakage current over extended periods

Applications: Power factor correction; Filtering in power supply circuits; Coupling and decoupling in signal processing

Additional Info: The SI unit of capacitance is the Farad (F).. Option B is incorrect because magnetic fields are associated with inductors, not capacitors.

Answer: A is correct — Capacitors store energy in the form of an electrostatic field between their conductive plates.

Exam Tip: Always remember: Capacitors (C) store energy in electric fields ($1/2 CV^2$), while Inductors (L) store energy in magnetic fields ($1/2 LI^2$).

Related Questions

Discussion (0)