Which of the following statements is true about capacitors?

Capacitors are electronic components specifically designed to store electrical energy in the form of an electric field. When a voltage is applied across the terminals of a capacitor, charges accumulate on the plates, creating an electric field between them. This stored energy can later be released back into the circuit when needed, demonstrating their primary function in various applications such as filtering, smoothing, and timing circuits.

The concept of storage as an electric field is fundamental to capacitor operation, distinguishing them from other components like inductors, which store energy in a magnetic field. Capacitors can charge and discharge quickly, making them essential in applications that require rapid changes in voltage or current.

The other options do not accurately reflect the behavior and characteristics of capacitors. Therefore, the correct understanding reinforces that capacitors store energy as an electric field, illustrating their crucial role in electrical and electronic systems.