What do inductors do in electrical circuits?

Inductors are components in electrical circuits that store energy in a magnetic field when electrical current flows through them. This storage of energy occurs due to the property of inductance, which is the ability of an inductor to oppose changes in current. When the current changes, the magnetic field around the inductor also changes; this induces a voltage that opposes the change in current.

Inductors are widely used in applications such as filters, transformers, and energy storage systems. By maintaining a magnetic field, they can release stored energy back into the circuit when needed, making them essential for managing power flow and improving efficiency in various electrical setups.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of inductors. Inductors do not absorb heat (which is more related to resistive components), they do not inherently provide resistance (though they can affect the current flow in a circuit), and while they can influence voltage levels indirectly, their main role is not to regulate voltage but to store energy. This makes the choice about storing energy in a magnetic field the most accurate description of what inductors do in electrical circuits.