What does capacitance measure?

• A. The flow of electric charge
• B. The ability to store electrical energy in an electric field
• C. The strength of a magnetic field
• D. The total voltage across a circuit

Answer: (B)

Capacitance is a measure of the ability of a component, typically a capacitor, to store electrical energy in an electric field when a voltage is applied across it. When a capacitor is charged, it accumulates electric charge on its plates, and this stored charge creates an electric field between the plates. The amount of charge stored per unit voltage is defined as capacitance, which is typically expressed in farads (F).

The other options mention concepts that relate to different aspects of electricity. The flow of electric charge refers to current, which measures the rate of charge flow in a circuit. The strength of a magnetic field relates to magnetism and electromagnetic principles, while the total voltage across a circuit refers to the potential difference driving current through the circuit components. These concepts are distinct from capacitance, which specifically pertains to energy storage within an electric field.