A capacitor is made up of a pair of conductive plates separated by what type of material?

A capacitor consists of two conductive plates that are separated by an insulating material known as a dielectric. The primary function of this dielectric is to prevent electric current from passing between the plates while allowing an electric field to develop across them. This separation of the plates with an insulating material is crucial for the capacitor's ability to store electrical energy.

While the term "non-conductive" might also seem to fit given that it describes the dielectric's property of not conducting electricity, it is more accurate to refer to the material specifically as insulating when discussing capacitors because it emphasizes the material's role in preventing current flow between the plates. The insulation ensures that the capacitor can store charge without allowing the current to leak, thereby maintaining the intended capacitive function. Each of the other options does not correctly identify the role of the material used in this context.