INDEX

1. Introduction------------------------------------------------1
a. How does capacitor work

2. Capacitor symbol-------------------------------------------2

3. Energy stored in capacitor-------------------------------3

a. Derivation of energy stored in capacitor

b. Unit of capacitor

4. Series combination of capacitor ------------------------4

a. Parallel combination of capacitor

5. Capacitance of spherical capacitor----------------------5

6. Factors affecting capacitor---------------------------------6-7

7. Difference between capacitor and capacitance------10-11

8. Capacitor in series ----------------------------------------------12

a. Capacitor in parallel

9. Factors affecting capacitance--------------------------------13

10. How to increase the capacitance of a capacitor---------14

11. Electric polarization----------------------------------------------15

12. bibliography---------------------------------------------------------16
Introduction
What is capacitor?
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.

Capacitor and Capacitance are related to each other as capacitance is nothing but
the ability to store the charge of the capacitor. Capacitors are essential
components in electronic circuits that store electrical energy in the form of an
electric charge. They are widely used in various applications, including power
supplies, filtering circuits, timing circuits, and coupling circuits. The ability of a
capacitor to store electrical energy is determined by its capacitance, which is a
measure of the amount of charge that can be stored per unit of the voltage
applied. Understanding the fundamentals of capacitors and capacitance is
important for anyone working with electronic circuits or interested in electronics.
In this article, we will learn about Capacitors, the Working of Capacitors,
Capacitance, and others in detail.
Capacitor
A Capacitor is a two terminal electronic device that has the ability to store
electrical energy in the form of electric charge in an electric field. It is a physical
object.
It consists of two conductors generally plates and an insulator (air, mica, paper,
etc.) separated by a distance. The space between the conductors is filled by a
vacuum or with an insulator known as a dielectric. It stores energy by taking pairs
of opposite charges. The dielectric material allows each plate to hold an equal and
opposite charge. It is also called electric condensers. Capacitors are a simple
passive device that is used to store electrical charge and they are invented by
Ewald Georg von Kleist in 1745.
How Does a Capacitor Work?
Capacitor is one of the basic components of the electric circuit, which can store
electric charge in the form of electric potential energy. It consists of two
conducting surfaces such as a plate or sphere, and some dielectric substance(air,
glass, plastic, etc.) between them .

A capacitor is an electronic component that is designed to store electric charge. It

consists of two conductive plates that are separated by a dielectric material, such
as air or a plastic film. When a voltage is applied across the plates, electrons build
up on one plate and are drawn away from the other, causing an electrical charge
to accumulate. The amount of charge that a capacitor can store is determined by
its capacitance, which is measured in farads (F). The capacitance of a capacitor
depends on the surface area of its plates, the distance between them, and the
dielectric constant of the material between them.
Capacitors are used in a variety of electrical and electronic circuits. For example,
they can be used to filter out unwanted noise or voltage spikes, to store energy in
power supplies, or to tune resonant circuits in radios and other electronic devices.
They can also be used in timing circuits, where they are charged and discharged
at specific intervals to create precise timing signals .
Capacitor Symbol
The symbol of a capacitor in an electric circuit is given in the following diagram:
Energy Stored in Capacitor
Once a capacitor is connected to the power source, it started to accumulate
electrons on one surface and the opposite charges on the other surface. The work
done by the power source for this is stored in the capacitor in the form of
electrical potential energy and this energy stored in a capacitor is given by the
equation:
U = (1/2)CV2
Where
 U is the energy stored in joules (J),
 C is the capacitance of the capacitor in farads (F), and
 V is the voltage across the capacitor in volts (V).

Derivation of Energy Stored in Capacitor

Consider a capacitor of capacitance C, which is charged to a potential difference
V.
The charge Q on the capacitor is given by the equation Q = CV, where C is the
capacitance and V is the potential difference.
The work done in charging the capacitor from an uncharged state (where Q = 0)
to a charged state dQ with potential V is given by the equation:
dW = VdQ
Unit of Capacitance
The standard unit OR the SI unit of capacitance is Farad, but 1 farad is a very
large unit of capacitance. So, capacitance is measured in milifarads, microfarads,
picofarads, nanofarads, etc.
As mili, micro, pico, and nano are the standard prefixes representing the
following relations:
 1 millifarad (mF) = 10-3 Farads
 1 microfarad (μF) = 10-6 Farads
 1 nanofarad (nF) = 10-9 Farads
 1 picofarad (pF) = 10-12 Farads
Series and Parallel Combination of Capacitor
 When the capacitors are connected in a series combination i.e one after the
other, the total capacitance of the capacitors is
1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2
Ctotal = (C1C2)/(C1+C2)
 When the capacitors are connected in parallel combination i.e connected side
by side
Ctotal = C1+C2
Capacitance of Parallel Plate Capacitor
A parallel plate capacitor is shown in the image added below ,

The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is directly proportional to the area

(A) of the two parallel plates and inversely proportional to the distance of

C ∝ A/d
separation between the two plates (d)

C = ∈oA/d
or

 ∈o = permittivity of free space = 8.854 × 10-12

where

Capacitance of Spherical Capacitor

A Spherical Capacitor is shown in the image added below ,
Spherical Capacitor is made up of two hollow concentric conducting shells of
radii R1 and R2 with a dielectric substance between them. These shells have
equal and opposite charge Q. Capacitance of this capacitor is given by
C=4πϵoR1R2R1−R2C=4πϵoR1−R2R1R2
where
 εo = permittivity of free space = 8.854 × 10-12

Factors affecting Capacitance

There are some factors that can affect the capacitance of capacitors, which are,
 Dielectric
 Distance Between Surfaces
 Area of the Surfaces
Now let's learn about each in detail.
Dielectric
The dielectric material between both surfaces can affect the capacitance of
capacitors drastically. The capacitance of any capacitor is proportional to the
permittivity of the dielectric i.e., the higher the permittivity of the dielectric
higher the capacitance of that capacitor.
The dielectric constant and permittivity of various dielectrics materials are given
as follows:
Dielectric Permittivity of Dielectric

Vacuum 1

Air 1.0006
 Dielectric Permittivity of Dielectric

Teflon 2.1-2.3

Glass 4.5-10

Water 80.4

Ethanol 24.3

Glycerol 42.5

Silicon Dioxide 3.7-4.9

Distance Between Surfaces
Distance between the surface of the capacitor is inversely proportional to its
capacitance i.e., a higher distance between the surfaces implies a lesser
capacitance of the capacitor. If the capacitance of a capacitor is C and the

C ∝ 1/d
distance between the surface is d then,

Area of the Surfaces

The area of the surface building up the capacitor can affect the capacitance of that
capacitor in a direct proportion i.e., a higher surface area capacitor produces a
higher capacitance capacitor. If C is the capacitance and A is the surface area of

C∝A
one side of the capacitor, then.

Uses of a Capacitor
Capacitors are important components in electronic circuits. They can store
electrical energy and release it as needed, which makes them useful for powering
devices and stabilizing voltage. Capacitors can also filter out unwanted signals,
create timing circuits, transfer signals between circuits, and isolate circuits from
each other to prevent interference. They are used in various fields, including
telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.
factors of Capacitors
Capacitors are electronic devices that have various applications and some of the
applications of capacitors are,
 Capacitors are used for Energy Storage
 Capacitors are used for Power Conditioning
 Capacitors are used as Sensors
 Capacitors are used for Signal Processing
Now let's learn about them in detail,
Capacitors are used for Energy Storage
The major application of the capacitor is as energy storage, the capacitor can hold
a small amount of energy which can power the electric circuit in case of power
outages. Various appliances use capacitors as energy sources, that include,
 Audio equipment
 Camera Flashes
 Power supplies
 Magnetic coils
 Lasers
Capacitors are used for Power Conditioning
Capacitors are also used for Power Conditioning as they only allow only AC
current to pass when they are charged, blocking DC current.
Capacitors are used as Sensors
Capacitors are used as sensors which are used to measure a variety of things such
as humidity, mechanical strain, and fuel levels.
Capacitors are used for Signal Processing
In modern electronics, capacitors are also used as signal processors, they are used
to build DRAM and other electronic devices.
Difference between Capacitor and Capacitance
As, capacitor and capacitance both are related in some manner but there are some
differences between them, which are as follows:
Capacitor Capacitance

A Capacitor is a two-terminal
electronic device that can store The capacity of the capacitor to store
electrical energy in the form of electric charge in it is called capacitance
charge in an electric field.

It is a physical object or device It is an electrical measurement.

It is not a device. It is the property of a

The capacitor is a passive device.
capacitor.
 Capacitor Capacitance

It is also called electric condensers. It is only called capacitance.

The capacitance of a capacitor depends

It does not depend on size, shape, and on the geometrical configuration like
distance. size, shape, and distance between the
conductor plates

What exactly is capacitance, and why is it essential in electronics?

Capacitance is the ability of a component, known as a capacitor, to store electrical
energy in an electric field. It’s crucial in electronics because capacitors can release
stored energy quickly, providing a surge of power when needed and smoothing out
electrical signals.

How does a capacitor work, and why is it designed with two plates?
Think of a capacitor as an electrical storage device. It has two plates separated by a
non-conductive material. When voltage is applied, one plate accumulates a positive
charge, and the other takes on a negative charge. The separation ensures controlled
energy storage and release.

What is the role of the dielectric in a capacitor?

The dielectric is a non-conductive material between the plates of a capacitor. It
prevents the plates from touching and controls the electric field. Different
dielectric materials influence the capacitor’s performance and properties.

How is capacitance measured, and what is a farad?

Capacitance is measured in farads, named after Michael Faraday. One farad is the
capacitance when one coulomb of charge is stored with one volt across the
capacitor. Capacitors in electronics typically have capacitance values in
microfarads (µF) or picofarads (pF).
Can capacitors store energy for a long time?
Capacitors can store energy, but it’s important to note that they can discharge over
time due to factors like internal leakage or the nature of the dielectric. Long-term
energy storage is often better suited for other devices like batteries.

What are some common applications of capacitors in everyday

devices?
Capacitors are used in various electronic devices for smoothing power supplies,
filtering signals, and timing circuits. They play a role in everything from radios and
TVs to computer power supplies and electronic gadgets.

Applications of Capacitance and capacitors

 Power Supply Filtering: Capacitors act as smoothing agents in power

supplies. They absorb fluctuations in voltage, providing a stable and
continuous power output to electronic devices like computers and audio
equipment.
 Signal Coupling and Decoupling: Capacitors facilitate the transfer of
AC (alternating current) signals while blocking DC (direct current). This
property is crucial in audio systems, allowing the transmission of sound
signals without the interference of constant voltage.
 Timing Circuits: Capacitors are fundamental in creating time delays in
electronic circuits. They control the rate of charging and discharging,
influencing the timing of events in applications such as flash photography,
timing circuits in appliances, and oscillators in electronic devices.
 Energy Storage in Flash Units: Capacitors store electrical energy and
release it quickly when needed. In flash units of cameras, capacitors
accumulate energy over a short period and discharge it rapidly to produce
the intense burst of light necessary for photography.
 Motor Starters: Capacitors are employed in electric motor circuits to
provide an initial boost during startup. They store energy and release it to
help motors overcome inertia and begin rotation smoothly.
 Electronic Filters: Capacitors are integral components in electronic
filters, separating signals of different frequencies. This is crucial in
 applications like radio receivers, where specific frequencies need to be
isolated for clear signal reception.
 Defibrillators in Medical Applications: Capacitors are utilized in
medical devices like defibrillators. They store and release energy quickly,
delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart in emergency situations to
restore normal rhythm.
 Power Factor Correction: In industrial settings, capacitors are
employed to improve power factors by compensating for the lag between
voltage and current in electrical systems. This enhances the efficiency of
power distribution.

 Capacitance in Series
 Figure 1a shows a series connection of three capacitors with a voltage
applied. As for any capacitor, the capacitance of the combination is related
to charge and voltage byC=QVC=QV.
 Note in Figure 1 that opposite charges of magnitude Q flow to either side of
the originally uncharged combination of capacitors when the voltage V is
applied. Conservation of charge requires that equal-magnitude charges be
created on the plates of the individual capacitors, since charge is only being
separated in these originally neutral devices. The end result is that the
combination resembles a single capacitor with an effective plate separation
greater than that of the individual capacitors alone. (See Figure 1b.) Larger
plate separation means smaller capacitance. It is a general feature of series
connections of capacitors that the total capacitance is less than any of the
individual capacitances.


 Capacitors in Parallel
 Figure 2a shows a parallel connection of three capacitors with a voltage
applied. Here the total capacitance is easier to find than in the series case. To
find the equivalent total capacitance Cp, we first note that the voltage across
each capacitor is V, the same as that of the source, since they are connected
directly to it through a conductor. (Conductors are equipotentials, and so the
voltage across the capacitors is the same as that across the voltage source.)
Thus the capacitors have the same charges on them as they would have if
connected individually to the voltage source. The total charge Q is the sum
of the individual charges: Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3.


 Figure 2. (a) Capacitors in parallel. Each is connected directly to the voltage
source just as if it were all alone, and so the total capacitance in parallel is
just the sum of the individual capacitances. (b) The equivalent capacitor has
a larger plate area and can therefore hold more charge than the individual
capacitors.
 Using the relationship Q = CV, we see that the total charge is Q = CpV, and
the individual charges are Q1 = C1V, Q2 = C2V, and Q3 = C3V. Entering these
into the previous equation gives
 CpV = C1V + C2V + C3V.
 Canceling V from the equation, we obtain the equation for the total
capacitance in parallel
 Cp: Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 + ….
 Total capacitance in parallel is simply the sum of the individual
capacitances. (Again the “…” indicates the expression is valid for any
number of capacitors connected in parallel.) So, for example, if the
capacitors in Example 1 were connected in parallel, their capacitance would
be
 Cp = 1.000 µF + 5.000 µF + 8.000 µF = 14.000 µF.
 The equivalent capacitor for a parallel connection has an effectively larger
plate area and, thus, a larger capacitance, as illustrated in Figure 2b.
 TOTAL CAPACITANCE IN PARALLEL, CP
 Total capacitance in parallel Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 + …
 More complicated connections of capacitors can sometimes be combinations
of series and parallel. (See Figure 3.) To find the total capacitance of such
combinations, we identify series and parallel parts, compute their
capacitances, and then find the total.


How Dielectric Increase the Capacitance of a Capacitor
When a dielectric material is inserted between the plates of a capacitor, it
increases the capacitance of the capacitor. This increase occurs due to the effect
of the dielectric material on the electric field and the polarization of the material.
Polarization of Dielectrics
When a dielectric material is placed on the grid of a capacitor, it contains atoms
or molecules that can be polarized in the presence of an electric field. An external
electric field induces a dipole moment in the atoms or molecules of the dielectric
material. It can be seen that the induced dipoles are coupled with the electric
field.
Polarization of electric field
Increase in Capacitance
Since capacitance (C) is defined as the ratio of the charge stored on the plates to
the potential difference between the plates (Q/V), a decrease in the electric field
(E) between the plates leads to an increase in capacitance. Mathematically,
capacitance is directly proportional to the permittivity of the material (ϵ) and the
area of the plates (A) and inversely proportional to the distance between the
plates (d). Then whenever a dielectric material is placed the value of permittivity
is affected according to the formula and thus there is increase in capacitance.
Concluding from this,
From the above discussion we can conclude that the capacitance and the
dielectric constant is directly proportional to each other. There are various
advantages of using these dielectrics between the plates of the capacitors. Using
the relation between capacitance and dielectric constant we can easily determine
how the value of capacitance rely on the dielectric constant. It decreases the
voltage across the plates of the capacitor hence, increasing the capacitance.
Dielectric Constant and its Effects on the Properties of a Capacitor

Dielectric constants of common dielectric

materials

All materials are capable of storing electrical energy when they are exposed to an
electric field. The storage capacity varies from one material to another. The
permittivity of materials is usually given relative to the permittivity of free space,
usually symbolized by ϵ0. The permittivity of vacuum is commonly known as
absolute permittivity and refers to the amount of resistance required to form an
electric field in a vacuum. The absolute permittivity of free space is approximately
8.85418782 × 10-12 m-3 kg-1 s4 A2.
The permittivity of a dielectric material relative to that of free space is referred to
as relative permittivity, usually symbolized by ϵr, or dielectric constant. The
following equation relates absolute permittivity (ϵ0), relative permittivity or
dielectric constant (ϵr), and permittivity of a material (ϵ).
ϵr=ϵϵ0

Conclusion
In conclusion, capacitors are fundamental electronic components that store
electrical energy in the form of an electric field between two conductive plates
separated by an insulator (dielectric). The ability of a capacitor to store charge is
measured by its capacitance, which depends on the surface area of the plates, the
distance between them, and the properties of the dielectric material. Capacitors
play a crucial role in various applications such as energy storage, signal filtering,
voltage regulation, and timing circuits. Understanding the principles of capacitance
and the behavior of capacitors is essential for designing and analyzing both simple
and complex electrical and electronic systems.
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2. https://ww.geeksforgeeks.org

3. https://www.allaboutcircuit.com

4. https://testbook.com

5. https://unacademy.com
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