Which of the following statements best describes a capacitor?

A capacitor is best described as a device that stores electrical energy. This component consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field builds up, allowing the capacitor to store energy in the form of an electric charge. The energy stored can be released when the capacitor is connected to a circuit, providing a quick burst of electricity for various applications, such as smoothing out voltage fluctuations in power supplies or providing timing functions in circuits.

Understanding this function is key: capacitors do not generate electricity themselves nor do they oppose current in the way resistors do. Their primary role is to accumulate and release electrical energy as needed, which distinguishes them from other circuit elements that either generate electrical energy or measure voltage. This characteristic makes them crucial in a wide range of electronic devices and applications.