What is the difference between a capacitor and an inductor and how are they commonly used?

[beechiaseed]

Capacitors store energy in an electric field, whereas inductors store energy in a magnetic field.

[hardwarefyi]

Reading Information about capacitors on power rails, and using with LDO’s/buck converters:

• How do PCB Capacitor Work and Why is it Important? – Hillman Curtis: Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing & SMT Assembly Manufacturer
• https://www.reddit.com/r/synthdiy/comments/uj3kmd/noise_on_the_power_rails_solve_with_capacitors/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/beneater/comments/gpqp3k/capacitors/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/AskElectronics/comments/kmdx8g/sizing_bulk_capacitor_for_power_rail_and/
• What is a capacitor? | Circuit Playground: C is for Capacitor | Adafruit Learning System

Adafruit Quote:

Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for blocking direct current while allowing alternating current to pass. In analog filter networks, they smooth the output of power supplies. In resonant circuits they tune radios to particular frequencies. In electric power transmission systems they stabilize voltage and power flow.

[hardwarefyi]

Difference between Components:

Capacitor:

• Function: A capacitor stores energy in an electric field.
• Construction: Made of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material (dielectric).
• Behavior:
  • In AC circuits, capacitors allow high-frequency signals to pass through while blocking low-frequency signals (acting as a high-pass filter).
  • In DC circuits, capacitors charge up to the supply voltage and then block any further current flow.

Inductor:

• Function: An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field.
• Construction: Made of a coil of wire, often wound around a core.
• Behavior:
  • In AC circuits, inductors allow low-frequency signals to pass through while blocking high-frequency signals (acting as a low-pass filter).
  • In DC circuits, inductors resist changes in current flow, creating a lag in the current response.

Common Uses:

Capacitors:

1. Filtering:
   • Power Supplies: Smooth out voltage fluctuations by filtering out noise and ripple.
   • Signal Processing: Used in filters to block or pass specific frequency ranges (e.g., high-pass or band-pass filters).
2. Energy Storage:
   • Power Supply Circuits: Store and release energy as needed to maintain stable voltage levels.
3. Timing Circuits:
   • Oscillators and Timers: Work with resistors to set specific time intervals in oscillators and timing circuits.

Inductors:

1. Chokes:
   • Noise Suppression: Inductors called chokes are used to block or filter out high-frequency noise in power lines or signal paths.
2. Filtering:
   • Power Supplies: Used in combination with capacitors to create low-pass filters that smooth out voltage fluctuations.
   • Signal Processing: Block high-frequency signals while allowing low-frequency signals to pass.
3. Energy Storage:
   • Switching Power Supplies: Store and release energy efficiently in DC-DC converters (e.g., buck and boost converters).
4. Transformers:
   • Power Transmission: Used in transformers to transfer energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction.