What term describes a device that stores electrical energy in an electric field?

The correct term for a device that stores electrical energy in an electric field is "capacitor." Capacitors consist of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material or dielectric. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is created between them, allowing the capacitor to store energy in the form of an electrostatic charge. This functionality makes capacitors essential components in various electrical and electronic circuits, including filtering, timing, and energy storage applications.

In contrast, a resistor is a component that impedes the flow of electric current, converting electrical energy into heat rather than storing it. An inductor, while it does store energy, does so in a magnetic field, not an electric field, and is primarily used in applications involving alternating current (AC). A transformer, on the other hand, is designed to transfer electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction, without storing electrical energy in an electric field. Therefore, the unique ability of capacitors to store energy in an electric field defines their specific role in electronics.