Capacitor vs. Inductor — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Capacitors store energy in the form of an electric field created between pairs of conductors; inductors store energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through them.
Difference Between Capacitor and Inductor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Capacitors consist of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material (dielectric), and they store electrical energy statically within the electric field created between these plates. While inductors, typically comprising a coil of wire, store energy dynamically in the magnetic field that forms around the coil when current flows through it.
When a voltage is applied, capacitors charge up and reach their maximum charge depending on their capacitance and the applied voltage. Whereas inductors resist changes in current flow through them, initially opposing the buildup of current when a voltage is applied, and gradually allowing more current to flow.
Capacitors effectively block direct current (DC) while allowing alternating current (AC) to pass through, making them useful in filtering applications in electronic circuits. On the other hand, inductors allow DC to pass while resisting changes to AC, utilized in circuits like filters and tuners to prevent sudden changes in current.
Comparison Chart
Energy Storage
Electric field
Magnetic field
Function
Blocks DC, passes AC
Passes DC, blocks sudden AC changes
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Response to Voltage
Charges up
Resists changes in current
Compare with Definitions
Capacitor
Composed of two conductive plates separated by an insulator.
The capacitor was connected with a dielectric material between its plates.
Inductor
A component that stores energy in a magnetic field due to current flow.
The inductor in the power supply smooths out the current flow to prevent surges.
Capacitor
Used in timing applications.
Capacitors control the timing mechanisms in electronic devices by regulating charge flow.
Inductor
Allows DC and resists changes in AC.
Inductors in a filter circuit prevent high-frequency AC while letting DC pass.
Capacitor
A device that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
A capacitor in a camera flash stores energy and releases it quickly to generate a flash of light.
Inductor
Measured in henries.
A higher inductance means the inductor can oppose changes in current more effectively.
Capacitor
Measured in farads.
A high-capacitance capacitor can store more electrical charge.
Inductor
Used in filters and tuners.
Inductors are essential for tuning circuits in radios to select different frequencies.
Capacitor
Blocks DC while allowing AC to pass.
In the radio, a capacitor filters out the DC component, allowing only AC signals through.
Inductor
An inductor, also called a coil, choke, or reactor, is a passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. An inductor typically consists of an insulated wire wound into a coil.
Capacitor
A capacitor is a device that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is a passive electronic component with two terminals.
Inductor
A device that functions by or introduces inductance into an electric circuit.
Capacitor
A device used to store an electric charge, consisting of one or more pairs of conductors separated by an insulator.
Inductor
The chemical reactant that initiates or accelerates an induced reaction and is consumed in the process.
Capacitor
An electric circuit element typically consisting of two metallic plates separated and insulated from each other by a dielectric, used to store charge temporarily or to filter signal frequencies. Also called condenser.
Inductor
(electronics) A passive device that introduces inductance into an electrical circuit.
Capacitor
(electronics) An electronic component capable of storing electrical energy in an electric field; especially one consisting of two conductors separated by a dielectric.
Inductor
(medicine) an evocator or an organizer
Capacitor
A device used in electronic circuits to hold electrical charge, consisting of two conducting plates separated by a nonconducting (dielectric) medium; it is characterized by its capacitance.
Inductor
The person who inducts another into an office or benefice.
Capacitor
An electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric charge
Inductor
That portion of an electrical apparatus, in which is the inducing charge or current.
Inductor
An electrical device that introduces inductance into a circuit
Inductor
Typically a coiled wire.
Adding more coils to the inductor increases its inductance and its ability to store magnetic energy.
Common Curiosities
How does an inductor work?
It stores energy in a magnetic field created by the flow of current through a coiled wire.
What is a capacitor?
A device that stores electrical energy in an electric field between two conductive plates.
What happens when a capacitor is charged?
It holds a specific amount of charge at a determined voltage level until discharged.
Can capacitors block AC?
No, capacitors block DC and allow AC to pass through them.
Why are inductors used in power supplies?
They smooth out the current and prevent power surges by resisting sudden changes in the current flow.
What units are used to measure capacitance?
Capacitance is measured in farads.
What role do capacitors play in tuning circuits?
They regulate the timing by controlling the charge and discharge cycles.
How do inductors respond to sudden changes in current?
Inductors resist sudden changes, making them useful for stabilizing current in circuits.
What are the key differences in how capacitors and inductors store energy?
Capacitors store energy statically in an electric field, whereas inductors store it dynamically in a magnetic field.
How do capacitors and inductors behave differently with AC and DC?
Capacitors block DC and pass AC, while inductors allow DC to pass and block changes in AC.
What units are used to measure inductance?
Inductance is measured in henries.
What is a practical example of a capacitor in everyday electronics?
In smartphones, capacitors manage power supply to the processor, aiding in efficient energy use.
What is the typical use of an inductor in a radio?
It is used in tuning circuits to select different frequencies by storing magnetic energy.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
