What is the purpose of a capacitor in an AC circuit?

The function of a capacitor in an AC circuit is primarily to store and release electrical energy, which plays a crucial role in influencing the phase relationships between voltage and current. In AC circuits, capacitors charge and discharge in synchrony with the alternating current, allowing them to temporarily hold energy and then release it back into the circuit. This process can introduce a phase shift, where the current may lead or lag behind the voltage, depending on the circuit configuration and parameters.

This energy storage capability is crucial in various applications, such as in filtering, timing, and power factor correction, where managing the phase relationship is essential for efficient circuit operation. The interaction between capacitors and alternating current is fundamental to the behavior of many AC circuits, making this characteristic integral to their functionality.