Capacitors are passive electronic components designed to store and release electrical energy in the form of an electric field. They consist of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. Capacitors store electrical charge when voltage is applied across their terminals and release it when the voltage is removed. They are used in electronic circuits for tasks such as energy storage, signal filtering, and timing. Capacitors come in various types, including electrolytic, ceramic, and tantalum capacitors, and they are essential components in a wide range of electronic devices and systems.