Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A parallel-plate capacitor is a type of capacitor consisting of two flat conducting plates separated by a small distance. It has high capacitance due to its large surface area and small separation distance.
Capacitance is the ability of a capacitor to store electrical energy and is determined by the size and separation distance of its plates.
Series Capacitor: A series capacitor is formed when multiple capacitors are connected in a series circuit, reducing the overall capacitance.
Energy Stored: The energy stored in a parallel-plate capacitor can be calculated using the formula 1/2 * C * V^2, where C is the capacitance and V is the voltage across it.