What main components are involved in a capacitor?

A capacitor primarily consists of two oppositely charged plates. These plates are typically made of conductive materials, such as metal, and are separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. The functioning principle of a capacitor relies on the accumulation and storage of electric charge on these plates when a voltage is applied.

When a voltage is applied across the plates, one plate accumulates positive charge while the other plate accumulates negative charge. This creates an electric field between the plates, which allows the capacitor to store energy. The amount of charge a capacitor can store is determined by the surface area of the plates, the distance between them, and the properties of the dielectric material.

In summary, the interaction between the oppositely charged plates is fundamental to the operation of a capacitor, making this component central to its identity and purpose in electronic circuits.