The differences between capacitors and inductors mainly include the following aspects:
Function:
- Capacitors store electrical energy in the form of an electric field and are mainly used for filtering, coupling, bypassing, and energy storage.
- Inductors store electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field and are often used for filtering, impedance matching, and inductor-based circuits.
Reactance:
- The reactance of a capacitor is inversely proportional to the frequency, showing capacitive reactance.
- The reactance of an inductor is proportional to the frequency, showing inductive reactance.
Voltage-Current Relationship:
- In a capacitor, the current leads the voltage by 90 degrees.
- In an inductor, the voltage leads the current by 90 degrees.
Energy Storage Mechanism:
- Capacitors store energy by separating charges on their plates.
- Inductors store energy by generating a magnetic field around the coil.
Physical Structure:
- Capacitors typically consist of two plates separated by a dielectric.
- Inductors are usually coils of wire.