One of the main differences between a capacitor and an inductor is that a capacitor opposes a change in voltage while an inductor opposes a change in the current. Furthermore, the inductor stores energy in the form of a magnetic field, and the capacitor stores energy in the form of an electric field. In this article, learn more differences between inductors and capacitors.
Capacitor vs Inductor
Capacitor | Inductor |
It resists changes in voltage | It resists changes in current |
The voltage in a capacitor doesn’t change instantaneously | The current in an inductor doesn’t change instantaneously |
The unit of capacitance is farad | The unit of inductance is henry |
Voltage lags current by π/2 | Current lags voltage by π/2 |
The capacitor functions as a short circuit for alternating current | Inductor functions as a short circuit for direct current |
Energy is stored in the electric field | Energy is stored in the magnetic field |
The listed were a few differences between inductors and capacitors. Both these electrical components impede the flow of electrons in a circuit. Unlike resistors that dissipate energy, capacitors and inductors store energy in an electric field and magnetic field respectively.
Read More: Electric Field
Watch the video and explore the difference between AC and DC
At BYJU’S learn more differences like the difference between diode and rectifier.
Capacitor and inductors are different in?
1) AC supply
2) DC supply
3) all of the above
3) all of the above