Which component stores an electrical charge?

Which component stores an electrical charge?

• A. Battery
• B. Ampere
• C. Capacitor
• D. Brush

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how electrical energy can be stored in a component. A capacitor stores an electrical charge by having two conductive plates separated by a dielectric. When connected to a circuit, charges accumulate on each plate—one plate becomes positively charged and the other negatively charged. The energy is stored in the electric field between the plates, and the amount of charge stored relates to the capacitance and the applied voltage (Q = C × V). This setup lets the capacitor quickly accumulate charge and then release it when the circuit needs current, which is useful for smoothing power, timing, and transient energy needs. A battery stores energy chemically, not just as charge on plates. A unit of current (ampere) is a measure of flow, not a component. A brush is a contact element in rotating machines and does not store charge either.

The idea being tested is how electrical energy can be stored in a component. A capacitor stores an electrical charge by having two conductive plates separated by a dielectric. When connected to a circuit, charges accumulate on each plate—one plate becomes positively charged and the other negatively charged. The energy is stored in the electric field between the plates, and the amount of charge stored relates to the capacitance and the applied voltage (Q = C × V). This setup lets the capacitor quickly accumulate charge and then release it when the circuit needs current, which is useful for smoothing power, timing, and transient energy needs.

A battery stores energy chemically, not just as charge on plates. A unit of current (ampere) is a measure of flow, not a component. A brush is a contact element in rotating machines and does not store charge either.