Which device consists of a pair of metallic plates that are separated by an insulating material called a dielectric?

Which device consists of a pair of metallic plates that are separated by an insulating material called a dielectric?

• A. Resistor
• B. Capacitor
• C. Inductor
• D. Transformer

Answer: (B)

A capacitor consists of two metallic plates separated by a dielectric material, which serves as an insulator. This design allows capacitors to store electrical energy in an electric field created between the plates when a voltage is applied. The ability of a capacitor to store energy is determined by the characteristics of the plates and the dielectric material, including their surface area, the distance between the plates, and the type of dielectric used. In electrical circuits, capacitors are essential components used in various applications such as energy storage, filtering, and signal coupling. Their function in temporarily storing charge makes them crucial in smoothing out voltage fluctuations in power supply circuits and in timing applications when combined with resistors and inductors. Other devices listed, such as resistors, inductors, and transformers, serve different purposes. Resistors dissipate electrical energy as heat and are used to control current flow. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field when current passes through them and are typically used in filtering and energy storage applications. Transformers are used to transfer electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction, but they do not involve the mechanism of energy storage like a capacitor does. Consequently, the functionality and construction of a capacitor distinctly set it apart from the other components.

A capacitor consists of two metallic plates separated by a dielectric material, which serves as an insulator. This design allows capacitors to store electrical energy in an electric field created between the plates when a voltage is applied. The ability of a capacitor to store energy is determined by the characteristics of the plates and the dielectric material, including their surface area, the distance between the plates, and the type of dielectric used.

In electrical circuits, capacitors are essential components used in various applications such as energy storage, filtering, and signal coupling. Their function in temporarily storing charge makes them crucial in smoothing out voltage fluctuations in power supply circuits and in timing applications when combined with resistors and inductors.

Other devices listed, such as resistors, inductors, and transformers, serve different purposes. Resistors dissipate electrical energy as heat and are used to control current flow. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field when current passes through them and are typically used in filtering and energy storage applications. Transformers are used to transfer electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction, but they do not involve the mechanism of energy storage like a capacitor does. Consequently, the functionality and construction of a capacitor distinctly set it apart from the other components.