In an AC circuit, what is the role of a capacitor?

In an AC circuit, the primary role of a capacitor is to provide reactive power and facilitate a phase shift between voltage and current. Capacitors store electrical energy in an electric field when voltage is applied and release it back into the circuit when needed. This stored energy can affect the overall reactance of the circuit, prompting the current to lead the voltage in phase.

The ability of capacitors to create a phase shift is essential in applications such as power factor correction, where they help manage and optimize the relationship between the voltage and current in the circuit. By adjusting this relationship, capacitors improve the efficiency of power delivery, ensuring more effective use of electrical energy.

While capacitors do have the ability to store energy, their role in AC circuits extends beyond simply storing energy for later use. They actively influence the current-voltage relationship, making their role in providing reactive power and establishing phase differences particularly critical in alternating current systems.