What is the difference between debt capital and equity capital, and how do businesses decide which type of capital to use for financing their operations?

Debt capital is money borrowed by a business that needs to be repaid with interest, while equity capital is money raised by selling shares of ownership in the company. Businesses decide which type of capital to use based on factors like cost, risk, control, and growth objectives. They may choose debt capital for lower cost and maintaining control, or equity capital for shared risk and potential for growth.