Capacitors
Definition
Devices used to store electrical energy in an electric field between two conducting plates, separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.
Analogy
Imagine capacitors as rechargeable batteries. They can store electrical energy when connected to a power source, just like how batteries store chemical energy. When disconnected from the power source, capacitors release their stored energy.
Related terms
Charge: A fundamental property of matter that gives rise to electric forces and interactions.
Voltage (Potential Difference): The difference in electric potential between two points in an electric circuit.
Energy Stored in Capacitor: The amount of electrical energy stored in a capacitor, given by 1/2 * C * V^2, where C is capacitance and V is voltage.
"Capacitors" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.