What is the main function of a capacitor in an electrical circuit?

The main function of a capacitor in an electrical circuit is to store electrical energy. Capacitors are components that can accumulate and hold electric charge, allowing them to release energy when needed in a circuit. This stored energy can smooth out fluctuations in voltage, filter signals, and provide power during brief interruptions, enhancing overall circuit stability and performance.

In various applications, capacitors assist in timing circuits, coupling signals between different stages of amplifiers, and maintaining power supply stability by compensating for load changes. Their ability to store energy temporarily makes them crucial in a variety of electronic devices and systems, from power supplies to signal processing circuits.