Basic electronics – component used to store electric charge Which electronic component is specifically designed to store electric charge and energy in an electric field between two conductors separated by a dielectric?

Introduction / Context:
Recognizing the function of basic components is fundamental to circuit analysis and design. Among passive and active devices, only one is intended primarily to store charge and energy electrostatically.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The device should accumulate charge and energy, not merely control current or voltage.
• We consider standard discrete components.
• Operation involves a dielectric and two conductive plates or electrodes.

Concept / Approach:
A capacitor stores energy in an electric field: E = 0.5 * C * V^2, where C is capacitance and V is voltage. It consists of two conductors (plates) separated by an insulator (dielectric). Applications include filtering, timing (RC networks), energy buffering, coupling/decoupling, and power-supply smoothing. By contrast, diodes allow current primarily in one direction; transistors amplify/switch; resistors dissipate energy as heat according to I^2 * R.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify which device is defined by charge storage behavior.Recall the capacitor's energy formula and structure (plates + dielectric).Select “Capacitor.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Datasheets list capacitance in farads (F, µF, nF, pF) and voltage ratings, highlighting charge/energy storage roles. Circuit simulations show capacitors charging/discharging exponentially in RC networks.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Transistor: active device for switching/amplification; not intended for bulk charge storage.
• Diode: rectification; small junction capacitance is incidental, not the primary function.
• Resistor: converts electrical energy to heat; no intentional energy storage.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing incidental parasitic capacitances of diodes/transistors with a component designed for storage. Only capacitors are built expressly to store charge.

Final Answer:
Capacitor