Which of the following is a common use for a capacitor in electrical circuits?

Capacitors are frequently used for power factor correction in electrical circuits. Power factor correction is essential in AC circuits because it enhances the efficiency of power delivery and improves the overall quality of the electrical supply. By using capacitors to counteract the inductive effects created by loads like motors and transformers, the phase difference between voltage and current is minimized. This adjustment reduces the amount of reactive power in the system, helping to increase the real power value and reduce energy losses in transmission.

In contrast, while voltage regulation is important, it is typically managed by devices like voltage regulators and transformers rather than capacitors alone. Current sensing usually relies on other technologies such as resistors or Hall effect sensors, which are designed specifically for measuring current flow. Voltage conversion is typically achieved through transformers or similar devices designed for that purpose, rather than through the use of capacitors. Therefore, the role of capacitors in power factor correction is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering, making it the correct choice in this context.