Topic Outline
What is a Capacitor?
Types of Capacitor
Series and Parallel Connection of
Capacitor
What is a Capacitor?
A capacitor is a device that stores
electrons. The energy is in the form of
charge stored.
A capacitor essentially consists of
two conducting surfaces separated by a
layer of an insulating medium called
dielectric.
Capacitance
• The capacitance of a capacitor is defined as
"the amount of charge required to create a
unit between its plates.“
Q charge
C = =
V potential difference
• Unit of capacitance: 1 farad = I coulomb/volt
Smaller units like millifarad, microfarad,
nanofarad, and picofarad are generally employed.
Types of Capacitor
Non-polarized Capacitor
Polarized Capacitor
Variable Capacitor
Trimmer Capacitor
Non- Polarized Capacitor
Type of capacitor that can be
connected any way in a circuit. There is
no positive or negative. Common types of
non-polar capacitors are ceramic, mica
and some electrolytic.
A capacitor is used with a resistor
in a timing circuit. It can also be
used as a filter, to block DC signals
but pass AC signals.
Polarized Capacitor
A capacitor stores electric charge. This type
must be connected the correct way round.
A capacitor is used with a resistor in a
timing circuit. It can also be used as a
filter, to block DC signals but pass AC
signals.
Variable Capacitor
A capacitor whose
capacitance can be varied.
These are usually made up
of one or more moving
plates and one or more non
moving plates separated by
the dielectric. By moving the
plates, we can vary the
capacitance. And it is used in
a radio tuner.
Trimmer Capacitor
This type of variable capacitor is
operated with a small screwdriver or
similar tool. It is designed to be set
when the circuit is made and then left
without further adjustment.
Applications
A capacitor can store electric energy when
disconnected from its charging circuit, so it can
be used like a temporary battery. Capacitors are
commonly used in electronic devices to maintain
power supply while batteries are being changed.
Applications
DC blocking capacitor : In this application the
capacitor blocks the passage of DC current
(after completely charged) and yet allows the AC
to pass at certain portion of a circuit.
Capacitor as a filter : Capacitors are the main
elements of filters. There are several types of
filters that are used in electronic circuits, such
as Low Pass Filter, High PassFilter, Band Pass
Filter etc.
Series and Parallel Connection of Capacitor
Electrical circuits often contain two or more
capacitors grouped together and attached
to an energy source, such as a battery.
The following symbols are often used:
Series Circuits
Capacitors or other devices connected
along a single path are said to be
connected in series. See circuit below:
Series
connection of
capacitors. “+ to
– to + …”
Charge inside
dots is induced.
Charge on Capacitors in Series
Since inside charge is only induced, the
charge on each capacitor is the same.
Charge is same:
series connection
of capacitors.
Q = Q1 = Q2 =Q3
Voltage on Capacitors in Series
Since the potential difference between
points A and B is independent of path, the
battery voltage V must equal the sum of
the voltages across each capacitor.
Total voltage V
Series connection
Sum of voltages
V = V1 + V2 + V3
Equivalent Capacitance: Series
Short Cut: Two Series Capacitors
The equivalent capacitance Ce for two series
capacitors is the product divided by the sum.
Parallel Circuits
Capacitors which are all connected to the
same source of potential are said to be
connected in parallel. See below:
Equivalent Capacitance: Parallel
Example 1.
Find the equivalent capacitance
of the three capacitors connected in parallel
with a 24-V battery.
Example 1 (Cont.)
Find the total charge QT
and charge across each capacitor.
Summary: Series Circuits
For two capacitors at a time:
Summary: Parallel Circuits
For complex circuits, reduce the circuit in
steps using the rules for both series and
parallel connections until you are able to
solve problem.
END
