Energy stored in a capacitor (Uc)

Definition

The energy stored in a capacitor refers to the amount of electrical energy that can be stored in the electric field between its plates. It is determined by the capacitance and voltage across the capacitor.

Analogy

Think of a capacitor as a rechargeable battery for electricity. Just like a battery stores chemical energy, a capacitor stores electrical energy that can be released when needed.

Related terms

Capacitance: The capacitance of a capacitor is a measure of its ability to store charge. It is determined by the geometry and material properties of the capacitor.

Voltage (V): Voltage, also known as potential difference, represents the electric potential energy per unit charge. It determines how much energy can be stored in a capacitor.

Electric Field (E): The electric field is created by charged particles and determines how they interact with each other. In the case of capacitors, it plays a role in storing and releasing electrical energy.