What is the main function of a capacitor in an electronic circuit?

The main function of a capacitor in an electronic circuit is to store and release electrical energy. Capacitors are passive components that can accumulate electrical charge when a voltage is applied across their terminals. This charge can then be released back into the circuit when needed. This function is crucial in various applications, such as smoothing out fluctuations in power supply, filtering signals, and providing timing elements in oscillators.

Storing energy allows capacitors to be used in power conditioning applications, where they help maintain a stable voltage level despite variations in current demand. This can be particularly important in power supply circuits, where capacitors can absorb voltage spikes and release energy during dips in voltage.

The other options highlight functions that do not accurately reflect the primary role of a capacitor. For instance, increasing resistance in a circuit is typically the domain of resistors, and the transmission of signals without delay usually pertains to transmission lines rather than capacitors. While capacitors can play a role in converting AC to DC voltages within certain configurations (like power supply circuits), that is not their primary function; instead, diodes primarily handle the conversion process. Thus, the correct assertion focuses on the capacitor's role in energy storage and release.