Charging and Discharging of Capacitor The charging and discharging of a capacitor are fundamental processes in electronics. When charging a capacitor, it begins with no voltage across its plates and is connected to a voltage source, typically through a resistor. Initially, current flows rapidly as the capacitor behaves like a short circuit, gradually accumulating charge and increasing its voltage. The relationship between the capacitor voltage, the source voltage, and time is governed by an exponential function determined by the RC time constant of the circuit. In contrast, discharging occurs when a charged capacitor is connected across a resistor or short- circuited, allowing stored charge to flow through the resistor. The capacitor’s voltage decreases exponentially over time as it discharges, following a similar exponential function dependent on the initial voltage and the RC time constant. Understanding these processes is crucial in electronics for designing circuits such as filters, timers, and energy storage systems where capacitors play pivotal (A in storing and releasing electrical eneray efficiently.Self-Capacitance Self-capacitance property is related to the capacitors especially to the isolated conductor to raise its potential difference to one volt. Generally normal conductors will have mutual capacitance. This is also measured in the S.| unit i.e. Farads. The Self-capacitance of a conducting sphere which has the radius ‘R’ is given by C= 4ne0R Self-capacitance values of some standard devices are given below. e For the top plate of a van de Graff generator which is having radius of 20 cm self- capacitance is 22.24 pF. e For the planet EARTH self-capacitance ‘a HF.The amount of charge Q a capacitor can store depends on two major factors the voltage applied and the capacitor’s physical characteristics, such as its size. In below given figure each electric field line starts on an individual positive and ends ona negative one, so that there will more field lines if there is more charge. The electric field strength is, thus, directly proportional to Q. The field is proportional to the charge: V Q We know that V= Ed so V«E Hence, V * Q Removing sign of proportionality, we get Q= CV Where C = Capacitance of the Parallel Plate Capacitor.Structure of Capacitors The internal structure of a capacitor consists of two main components: conductive plates and a dielectric material. These plates, typically made from materials like aluminium, tantalum, or ceramic, are placed parallel to each other with a small gap in between. The dielectric material, which could be paper, ceramic, plastic film, or oxide layers, serves as an insulator between the plates. This dielectric material determines the capacitor’s capacitance and other electrical characteristics. The conductive plates are connected to lead wires or terminals that extend outside the capacitor, allowing it to be integrated into electrical circuits. The entire assembly is often enclosed in a protective casing made of materials like plastic or epoxy resin to safeguard it from physical damage and environmental factors. This basic structure enables capacitors to store and release electrical energy efficiently, making them indispensable in various applications across electronics, from filtering and signal processing to energy storage and power factor correction.Introduction A capacitor is an electronic component used to store electrical energy temporarily in an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. When a voltage difference is applied across the plates, electric charge accumulates on them, creating an electric field between the plates. Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for various purposes such as filtering, smoothing power supply voltages, coupling signals between stages, and storing energy in pulse circuits. They come in various types and sizes, each suitable for different applications based on factors like capacitance value, voltage rating, and frequency response.