What is a capacitor primarily used for in electrical circuits?

A capacitor is primarily used in electrical circuits to store and release electrical energy. This component consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric. When voltage is applied across the plates, it creates an electric field that allows the capacitor to store energy. This stored energy can then be released back into the circuit when needed.

Capacitors are commonly utilized in various applications, such as smoothing out fluctuations in power supply, filtering signals in audio equipment, and coupling and decoupling signals in circuits. Their ability to quickly release the stored energy makes them essential in timing applications, energy applications, and as part of resonance circuits.

In contrast, options related to generating electrical energy, regulating voltage levels, and converting current types describe functions typically associated with other electrical components, such as batteries or transformers, rather than capacitors. Thus, while capacitors play a crucial role in energy management within circuits, their primary function is clear in the context of storage and release.