Which component stores electric charge?

Which component stores electric charge?

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

Answer: (B)

Storing electric charge is what a capacitor does. A capacitor has two conductors separated by an insulating material, so when a voltage is applied, opposite charges build up on each plate. This separation creates an electric field and stores energy and charge on the plates, with the relationship Q = C × V linking charge to voltage. The energy stored is (1/2) C V^2. In other devices, energy is stored in different ways—an inductor stores energy in a magnetic field from current, while a resistor dissipates energy as heat and a transformer uses magnetic coupling. So, the component that stores electric charge is the capacitor.

Storing electric charge is what a capacitor does. A capacitor has two conductors separated by an insulating material, so when a voltage is applied, opposite charges build up on each plate. This separation creates an electric field and stores energy and charge on the plates, with the relationship Q = C × V linking charge to voltage. The energy stored is (1/2) C V^2. In other devices, energy is stored in different ways—an inductor stores energy in a magnetic field from current, while a resistor dissipates energy as heat and a transformer uses magnetic coupling. So, the component that stores electric charge is the capacitor.