Which electrical component is known for its ability to store electricity and is often used to start motors?

A capacitor is known for its ability to store electrical energy in an electric field. This property allows capacitors to release stored energy quickly when needed, making them particularly useful in applications such as starting motors. When a motor requires a burst of energy to start, a capacitor can provide that initial surge, which helps to overcome inertia and get the motor running smoothly.

Capacitors are commonly used in various applications including power conditioning, signal processing, and energy storage systems, thanks to their ability to charge and discharge rapidly. They are also essential in filtering signals in power supply circuits, stabilizing voltage, and minimizing fluctuations that could affect the performance of other components.

In contrast, inductors store energy in a magnetic field and resistors limit the flow of electric current without storing energy. Transformers are used primarily to transfer electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction and do not function by storing electricity. This makes the capacitor the most suitable choice for applications requiring energy storage, particularly in starting motors.