What is the electrical device used to store energy in the form of an electrostatic field?

The electrical device that stores energy in the form of an electrostatic field is a capacitor. Capacitors are composed of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as the dielectric. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is created, storing energy as the charges accumulate on the plates. The ability of a capacitor to store charge and energy is quantified by its capacitance, measured in farads.

This characteristic makes capacitors essential in various applications, including filtering, smoothing out voltage fluctuations in power supplies, energy storage in timing circuits, and coupling and decoupling signals in electronic circuits. They can release the stored energy quickly, allowing them to be used in applications requiring bursts of power. Understanding the function and behavior of capacitors is crucial for any technician working with electronic systems and circuits.