What is the Difference Between Inductance and Capacitance?

05/15/2025 • Felipe Moraes

Inductance and capacitance are properties of different electrical components that play crucial roles in RLC (Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor) circuits. Here are the key differences between them:

  1. Definition: Inductance is the ability of a current-carrying conductor to generate a magnetic field, while capacitance is the ability of a device to store electric charges.
  2. Energy Storage: Inductance is a property of an inductor, which stores energy in the form of a magnetic field, while capacitance is a property of a capacitor, which stores energy in the form of an electric field.
  3. Measurement: Inductance is measured in Henries (H) and is symbolized as "L," whereas capacitance is measured in Farads (F) and is symbolized as "C".
  4. RLC Circuits: In RLC circuits, inductors are used in low-pass filters, while capacitors are used in high-pass filters.

To summarize, inductance is a property of an inductor that involves a magnetic field, while capacitance is a property of a capacitor that involves an electric field. Both properties play essential roles in various electrical applications and can be found in waveform generators, analog filters, and other circuits.

Comparative Table: Inductance vs Capacitance

Here is a table summarizing the differences between inductance and capacitance:

Feature Inductance Capacitance
Definition Inductance is a property of a current-carrying conductor that creates a magnetic field around it. Capacitance is the ability of a device to hold and store electric charges.
Units Measured in henrys (H). Measured in farads (F).
Energy Storage Stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. Stores energy in the form of an electric field.
Time Constant Charges and discharges according to the duration equal to resistance times inductance (RL time constant). Charges and discharges according to the duration equal to resistance times capacitance (RC time constant).
Circuit Components Inductors, which are typically coiled wires, are designed to generate a strong magnetic field. Capacitors, which consist of two conductors separated by an insulating material (dielectric), are used to add capacitance to a circuit.
Reactance Inductive reactance opposes a changing current. Capacitive reactance fights off a changing voltage.

In summary, inductance is a property associated with a current-carrying conductor that creates a magnetic field, while capacitance is a property of a device that allows it to hold and store electric charges. Inductors and capacitors are circuit components designed to exploit these properties, and they have distinct time constants and reactance characteristics.

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