What type of electrical component consists of two or more conductive surfaces separated by an insulator?

The component that consists of two or more conductive surfaces separated by an insulator is a capacitor. Capacitors are essential in electrical circuits as they store electrical energy in an electric field. When voltage is applied across the conductive plates, an electric field forms between them, enabling the capacitor to store energy. This property is crucial in various applications such as filtering, timing circuits, and energy storage.

The conductive surfaces, usually made of metal, are plated on either side of an insulator, typically a dielectric material. The configuration allows capacitors to maintain charge separation, which is fundamental to their operation. This characteristic is what defines a capacitor among various electrical components, making it distinct from devices like diodes, resistors, or transformers, which operate on different principles.