What happens to AC voltage when it passes through a capacitor?

When AC voltage passes through a capacitor, the behavior of the voltage is characterized by its phase relationship with the current. In an AC circuit, capacitors have the unique quality of affecting the phase of the voltage and current. Specifically, a capacitor causes the current to lead the voltage in phase.

This means that the current reaches its peak value before the voltage does, which is a fundamental characteristic of capacitors in AC circuits. The phase difference can be significant in applications involving alternating current, allowing for tuned frequencies in various electronic systems.

In examining the other options, it is important to clarify that capacitors do not double the voltage passing through them, nor do they store voltage in a direct sense but rather store energy in the form of an electric field. While capacitors can block direct current (DC) as they eventually charge up and create a barrier, they do not entirely block AC currents. They allow AC signals to pass while altering their phase, which is the key detail impacting circuit behavior.