Capacitor
Introduction
What is a capacitor? A device that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
Capacitance: The ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge.
Types of Capacitors
Parallel-plate capacitors: The simplest type of capacitor, consisting of two parallel conducting plates separated by an insulator.
Variable capacitors: Capacitors whose capacitance can be adjusted.
Electrolytic capacitors: Capacitors with a high capacitance and a polarized design.
Charging and Discharging Capacitors
Charging a capacitor: The process of storing electrical energy in a capacitor by applying a voltage across its terminals.
Discharging a capacitor: The process of releasing the stored electrical energy from a capacitor.
Time constant: The time it takes for a capacitor to charge or discharge to 63.2% of its maximum value.
Factors Affecting Capacity
Plate area: The larger the plate area, the greater the capacitance.
Plate separation: The smaller the distance between the plates, the greater the capacitance.
Dielectric material: The material between the plates affects the capacitance.
Applications of Capacitors
Energy storage: In devices like flashlights, cameras, and computers.
Timing circuits: In electronic devices that require precise timing.
Filtering: In electrical circuits to remove unwanted frequencies.
Defibrillators: Medical devices used to deliver an electric shock to the heart.