A microfarad (μF) is a unit of capacitance in the metric system, representing one-millionth of a farad. It is commonly used to measure the capacity of capacitors, which are electronic components that store and release electrical energy. Capacitors play a crucial role in various electronic circuits, including power supplies and signal processing. In practical terms, a microfarad is often used in applications like audio equipment and motor starters. For example, a capacitor rated at 10 μF can store more charge than one rated at 1 μF, making it suitable for different functions in devices such as audio amplifiers and electric motors.