What is Stored in a Capacitor and an Inductor?

[indigojoker]

Since the net charge on a capacitor is zero, what does the capacitor store then? Is it electric potential?

 

[AbedeuS]

The net charge on a capacitor is zero?

$$Q_{Charge} = C_{Capacitance}*V_{Voltage}$$

The confusion probably spouts from the fact that the capacitor stores equal and opposite charge on either plate, but the potential difference is what causes a movement of charge from one plate to another.

$$E_{Stored}=\frac{1}{2}CV^{2}$$

 

[indigojoker]

yes, since the capacitor stores equal and opposite charge, its net charge is zero... which is why I'm wondering what the capacitor stores? I'm guessing it's storing potential

 

[CEL]

There is an electric field between the plates. The capacitor stores energy in the electric field.
In the same way, a current through an inductor produces a magnetic field. The inductor stores energy in this field.