Which component is used to filter and store energy in motor circuits, helping reduce voltage spikes?

Which component is used to filter and store energy in motor circuits, helping reduce voltage spikes?

• A. Resistor
• B. Diode
• C. Inductor
• D. Capacitor

Answer: (D)

Capacitors are used to filter and store energy in motor circuits to tame voltage spikes. A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates, so when a sudden change in voltage occurs—such as when a motor switch opens or the current rapidly shifts—it can absorb excess energy and smooth the voltage across the circuit. This helps protect switching devices and the motor from overvoltage. Resistors dissipate energy as heat and don’t store energy to damp spikes. Diodes provide a one-way path for current but don’t store energy to smooth transients. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field and resist changes in current, which can shape spikes, but they’re not primarily used to absorb and smooth voltage transients in this context.

Capacitors are used to filter and store energy in motor circuits to tame voltage spikes. A capacitor stores energy in the electric field between its plates, so when a sudden change in voltage occurs—such as when a motor switch opens or the current rapidly shifts—it can absorb excess energy and smooth the voltage across the circuit. This helps protect switching devices and the motor from overvoltage.

Resistors dissipate energy as heat and don’t store energy to damp spikes. Diodes provide a one-way path for current but don’t store energy to smooth transients. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field and resist changes in current, which can shape spikes, but they’re not primarily used to absorb and smooth voltage transients in this context.