Difference Between
versus

Capacitor vs. Inductor: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A capacitor stores energy in an electric field, while an inductor stores energy in a magnetic field.
Capacitor vs. Inductor

Key Differences

Capacitors store electrical energy in the form of an electric field between their plates, allowing them to quickly release energy. Inductors, however, store energy in a magnetic field created by the flow of current through a coil, releasing energy more gradually.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
In terms of impedance, capacitors resist changes in voltage, making them useful in filtering and stabilizing circuits. Inductors resist changes in current, which is advantageous in applications involving signal processing and power supply regulation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Capacitors are typically used for tasks like energy storage, power conditioning, and signal coupling. Inductors are commonly used in transformers, chokes, and inductance-based sensors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
The performance of a capacitor is mainly defined by its capacitance, measured in Farads, indicating its energy storage capability. An inductor's performance is characterized by its inductance, measured in Henries, reflecting its ability to store energy in a magnetic field.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Capacitors can discharge energy rapidly, making them suitable for applications requiring quick energy release, like flash photography. Inductors, due to their gradual energy release, are used in applications like smoothing out the ripple in power supplies.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Energy Storage

In an electric field
In a magnetic field
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Impedance Type

Resist changes in voltage
Resist changes in current
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Common Uses

Energy storage, signal coupling, power conditioning
Transformers, chokes, sensors
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Measurement Unit

Farads
Henries
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Energy Release

Rapid discharge
Gradual release
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Capacitor and Inductor Definitions

Capacitor

Measured in Farads.
A 1 Farad capacitor can store a considerable amount of electrical charge.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Inductor

Used in filters and tuning circuits.
Inductors are key components in radio frequency circuits.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Capacitor

A device that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
The capacitor in the circuit helps stabilize voltage fluctuations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Inductor

Integral in transformers and electromagnets.
Inductors are used in transformers to transfer energy between circuits.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Capacitor

Used for smoothing voltage in power supplies.
Capacitors are essential for filtering noise in electronic circuits.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Inductor

A component that stores energy in a magnetic field.
The inductor in the circuit prevents sudden changes in current.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Capacitor

Can release energy rapidly.
Capacitors are used in camera flashes for their quick energy discharge.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Inductor

Measured in Henries.
A high inductance inductor can store more magnetic energy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Capacitor

Integral in timing and wave-shaping circuits.
Capacitors are used to create oscillators in electronic clocks.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Inductor

Can oppose changes in current flow.
Inductors in power supplies help in reducing ripple voltage.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023

Capacitor

An electric circuit element typically consisting of two metallic plates separated and insulated from each other by a dielectric, used to store charge temporarily or to filter signal frequencies. Also called condenser.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Inductor

A device that functions by or introduces inductance into an electric circuit.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Capacitor

(electronics) An electronic component capable of storing electrical energy in an electric field; especially one consisting of two conductors separated by a dielectric.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Inductor

The chemical reactant that initiates or accelerates an induced reaction and is consumed in the process.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Capacitor

A device used in electronic circuits to hold electrical charge, consisting of two conducting plates separated by a nonconducting (dielectric) medium; it is characterized by its capacitance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Inductor

(electronics) A passive device that introduces inductance into an electrical circuit.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Capacitor

An electrical device characterized by its capacity to store an electric charge
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Inductor

(medicine) an evocator or an organizer
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Inductor

The person who inducts another into an office or benefice.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Inductor

That portion of an electrical apparatus, in which is the inducing charge or current.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Inductor

An electrical device that introduces inductance into a circuit
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

How does an inductor work?

An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it and releases it when the current changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Can inductors be used in signal processing?

Yes, inductors are used in signal processing for their ability to resist changes in current.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy in the form of an electric field.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What unit measures capacitance?

Capacitance is measured in Farads (F).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What is the unit for inductance?

Inductance is measured in Henries (H).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Can capacitors discharge quickly?

Yes, capacitors can discharge their stored energy rapidly.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What is the role of dielectric material in a capacitor?

The dielectric insulates the plates and increases capacitance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Are capacitors used in power supplies?

Yes, capacitors are often used in power supplies for smoothing out voltage fluctuations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What are the typical applications of capacitors in electronics?

Capacitors are used in timing circuits, power supplies, filters, and coupling.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What happens when you connect a capacitor to a voltage source?

It charges and stores energy when connected to a voltage source.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What are common applications of inductors in electronics?

Inductors are used in power supplies, transformers, filters, and inductance-based sensors.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What are the units used to measure the capacitance of a capacitor?

Capacitance is measured in farads (F).
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Can capacitors store energy indefinitely?

No, they can only store energy temporarily due to leakage and discharge.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

How does the capacitance value affect a capacitor's performance?

Higher capacitance values store more energy and have a slower response time.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

How does the inductance value impact an inductor's behavior?

Higher inductance values store more energy and result in slower current changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Can capacitors resist changes in voltage?

Capacitors resist rapid voltage changes, helping to stabilize voltage levels.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Can inductors store energy indefinitely?

Yes, inductors can store energy as long as current flows through them.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

What happens when you connect an inductor to a voltage source?

It resists changes in current and stores energy in its magnetic field.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

How does the core material affect the performance of an inductor?

The core material influences inductance and magnetic properties.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Can inductors resist changes in current and voltage?

Yes, inductors resist rapid changes in current and oppose voltage changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Smart TV vs. Android TVSmart TV vs. Android TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.
Social Change vs. Cultural ChangeSocial Change vs. Cultural Change
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.
Special Education vs. Inclusive EducationSpecial Education vs. Inclusive Education
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 17, 2024
Special Education is tailored instruction for students with disabilities, while Inclusive Education integrates all students, including those with disabilities, into general education settings.
Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 8, 2024
The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.
C3 Plants vs. C4 PlantsC3 Plants vs. C4 Plants
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
C3 plants use a direct carbon fixation process, common in cooler climates, while C4 plants have a specialized mechanism, efficient in high light and temperature.
Compression Wood vs. Tension WoodCompression Wood vs. Tension Wood
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Compression Wood is a denser, abnormal growth in softwood trees under mechanical stress, whereas Tension Wood is a less dense, fibrous growth in hardwoods under similar stress.
Term vs. SemesterTerm vs. Semester
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Term is a general period for any division of the academic year, while Semester specifically refers to half of an academic year.
Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
January 1, 2024
Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.
Gavage vs. LavageGavage vs. Lavage
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Gavage is the process of feeding a person or animal by inserting a tube into the stomach, while lavage is the washing out of a body cavity, such as the stomach, typically for medical treatment.
Nanomaterials vs. NanoparticlesNanomaterials vs. Nanoparticles
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Nanomaterials are diverse materials with components smaller than 100nm, whereas nanoparticles are specific, ultrafine particles within this size range.
Travel Agent vs. Tour OperatorTravel Agent vs. Tour Operator
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A travel agent is a professional who arranges travel plans for individuals, while a tour operator designs and manages complete travel packages.
Batch Fermentation vs. Continuous FermentationBatch Fermentation vs. Continuous Fermentation
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 10, 2024
Batch Fermentation is a finite process where nutrients are added at the start and products are harvested at the end, whereas Continuous Fermentation involves a steady input of nutrients and continuous product harvest.
Plant Cell vs. Animal CellPlant Cell vs. Animal Cell
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells lack these but have centrioles.
Hard Copy vs. Soft CopyHard Copy vs. Soft Copy
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.
Sausage vs. SmokieSausage vs. Smokie
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
A sausage is a type of meat product usually made from ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, while a smokie is a specific type of smoked sausage.
Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese EyesJapanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.
2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.
Absolute Privilege vs. Qualified PrivilegeAbsolute Privilege vs. Qualified Privilege
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2023
Absolute privilege is a complete defense against defamation claims, often used in legal or parliamentary contexts, while qualified privilege offers conditional protection, requiring the absence of malice.
Analog Computer vs. Digital ComputerAnalog Computer vs. Digital Computer
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
An Analog Computer processes continuous data, whereas a Digital Computer processes data in discrete numerical form.
White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
White Collar Crime involves non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals, while Blue Collar Crime refers to physical or violent crimes often by manual laborers.
Fast Food vs. Traditional FoodFast Food vs. Traditional Food
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Fast Food is quick, convenient, and often pre-prepared, while Traditional Food emphasizes cultural recipes, longer preparation times, and home cooking.
Handsome vs. SmartHandsome vs. Smart
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Handsome describes physical attractiveness, focusing on looks, while smart denotes intelligence or cleverness, related to mental capabilities.
Consecutive vs. SubsequentConsecutive vs. Subsequent
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 25, 2023
Consecutive refers to events or things following one after another in uninterrupted sequence, whereas subsequent denotes following in time or order, but not necessarily immediately afterward.
Goth vs. AltGoth vs. Alt
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 5, 2024
Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons