What is the primary function of capacitors in electrical systems?

The primary function of capacitors in electrical systems is to improve the power factor. Power factor is a measurement that describes how effectively electrical power is being converted into useful work output. In an AC (Alternating Current) system, capacitors can be used to counteract the effects of inductive loads, such as motors and transformers, which tend to consume reactive power and can lead to a lower power factor. By introducing capacitors into the circuit, it helps to balance the reactive power, thereby improving the overall power factor of the system.

While storing energy is one of the functions of capacitors, it is their role in correcting and improving power factor that is most critical in electrical systems, especially in industrial and commercial settings where efficiency and operational costs are aligned with the quality of the power factor. Other options like increasing voltage or reducing current are not primary functions of capacitors; their main use focuses on managing and optimizing the reactive power in the system.