What is a capacitor?
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What is a capacitor?
A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field between two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.
Simple Explanation:
Think of a capacitor like a tiny rechargeable battery that:
Charges when connected to a power source
Stores energy for a short time
Discharges that energy when needed
But unlike batteries, capacitors can charge and discharge very quickly.
⚙️How It Works:
Two metal plates hold opposite charges.
An insulating material (dielectric) prevents them from touching.
When voltage is applied:
One plate becomes positively charged
The other becomes negatively charged
The energy is stored in the electric field created between the plates.
Capacitance (C):
Capacitance is the ability of a capacitor to store charge.
Measured in farads (F).
Formula: C=VQ
Where:
C = capacitance
Q = electric charge (coulombs)
V = voltage (volts)
Uses of Capacitors:
Power supply filtering (smooths out voltage)
Timing circuits (with resistors)
Signal coupling and decoupling
Motor starters (e.g., in fans)
Camera flashes and energy storage