What is the main purpose of a capacitor?

The main purpose of a capacitor is to store electrical energy. Capacitors are essential components in electrical circuits that temporarily hold charge and release it when needed. This capability allows capacitors to smooth out variations in voltage and support the power factor in AC systems.

While improving power factor is an important application of capacitors in electrical systems, their fundamental role is primarily to store energy. In power factor correction, capacitors are often used to compensate for inductive loads, which ultimately helps in improving the overall efficiency of an electrical system by reducing reactive power. However, it's crucial to understand that storing electrical energy is the primary function of the capacitor itself.

Capacitors do not disconnect circuits or dampen voltage surges in the traditional sense; these tasks are typically executed by other components in an electrical system such as switches or surge protectors. Therefore, while many of the applications involving capacitors can relate to power factor enhancement, the essential characteristic of a capacitor is its ability to store electrical energy.