Difference Between Capacitor and Inductor

The difference between capacitor and inductor can be understood from the table given below:

Feature

Capacitor

Inductor

Basic Function

It stores electrical energy in an electric field.

It stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows.

Construction

It consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material.

It consists of a coil of wire wound around a core material.

Energy Storage

It stores energy in the form of an electric field.

It stores energy in the form of a magnetic field.

Energy Release

It releases energy when needed by discharging the stored charge.

It releases energy when the magnetic field collapses, causing a voltage spike.

Impedance

Capacitive reactance decreases with increasing frequency.

Inductive reactance increases with increasing frequency.

Phase Shift

It leads voltage with respect to current in AC circuits.

It lags voltage with respect to current in AC circuits.

Applications

Used for energy storage, filtering, coupling, timing, and signal processing in electronic circuits.

Used for energy storage, filtering, inductive coupling, and impedance matching in electronic circuits.

Size

Small in size compared to inductors.

Large in size compared to capacitors.

Polarization

It is non-polarized, but some capacitors are polarized.

Non-polarized.

Difference Between Capacitor And Inductor

Capacitors and inductors are elements in electronic circuits, each possessing unique characteristics and purposes. It is necessary to understand these disparities to facilitate the design and analysis of circuits. This article delves into elucidating the disparities between capacitors and inductors concerning their structure, functionality, circuits, practical uses, and additional aspects.

Table of Content

  • What is Capacitor?
  • What is Inductor?
  • Difference Between Capacitor And Inductor
  • Uses of Capacitors and Inductors

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What is Capacitor?

A capacitor is a fundamental electrical component with two terminals that can store energy by holding an electric charge. It comprises two conductive materials separated by a gap, often filled with an insulating material called a dielectric. The ability of a capacitor to store charges is called capacitance....

What is Inductor?

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Conclusion

Capacitors and inductors are important components in electronic circuits and each of them serve unique functions. Capacitors store energy in an electric field, while inductors store energy in a magnetic field. They have different applications and characteristics, such as energy storage, filtering, and impedance matching. Understanding these differences is essential for designing and analyzing circuits effectively....

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