Which of the following is always true about capacitors and batteries?

• A. Batteries hold more energy than capacitors.
• B. Batteries hold less energy than capacitors.
• C. Capacitors provide a steady current for longer than batteries.
• D. Batteries cause protons to move and capacitors cause electrons to move.
• E. Batteries cause electrons to move and capacitors cause protons to move.
• F. Batteries provide a steady current for longer than capacitors.

Answer: (F)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of a battery: A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, providing a steady flow of electrons over a longer period.
2. Understand the function of a capacitor: A capacitor stores electrical energy in an electric field and can release it quickly, but it does not provide a steady current for a long duration.
3. Compare energy storage: Batteries typically store more energy than capacitors because they rely on chemical reactions, whereas capacitors store energy in an electric field, which is limited by their physical size and dielectric material.
4. Analyze current flow: Batteries provide a steady current over time due to their chemical processes, while capacitors discharge quickly and cannot maintain a steady current for long periods.
5. Clarify misconceptions: Both batteries and capacitors cause electrons to move, not protons. In electrical circuits, it is the electrons that flow, as protons are bound within atomic nuclei and do not move in conductive materials.