What is the primary function of a capacitor in a circuit?

The primary function of a capacitor in a circuit is to store and release electrical energy. Capacitors are passive electrical components that store energy in the form of an electric field when a voltage is applied across their terminals. When needed, the stored energy can be released back into the circuit. This capability is crucial for various applications, such as smoothing out voltage fluctuations in power supplies, filtering signals in audio equipment, and timing applications in oscillator circuits.

Using capacitors allows for better management of electrical energy within a system, enabling circuits to perform optimally by providing bursts of energy when required and stabilizing voltage levels. The ability to store and then discharge energy makes capacitors versatile components in both analog and digital circuits.