Capacitors store electrical energy by accumulating and holding a charge on their plates when connected to a power source. When a capacitor is connected to a voltage source, the positive plate accumulates a positive charge while the negative plate accumulates a negative charge, creating an electric field between the plates. This electric field stores energy in the form of potential energy.
When the capacitor is connected in a circuit and discharges, the stored electrical energy is released as the charges move from one plate to the other through the circuit, creating an electric current. This discharge process involves the conversion of the stored electrical energy back into kinetic energy of moving charges, which can power devices or perform work in the circuit.
