Capacitors are a type of electrical component used to store energy. They come in a wide range of sizes and styles, but the most common type is the electrolytic capacitor, which is commonly used in household items such as radios, televisions and flashlights. Electrolytic capacitors are also used in a variety of engineering applications, such as in large-scale power distribution systems, electric car batteries and power tools. The most common type of electrolytic capacitor is a shunt capacitor, which is used in power systems to help stabilize voltage.