Physics Annual

Project

Topic – Capacitors –
Its Working And
Applications In
Physics and Life
A Closer Look Into
Capacitors [Its
Working,
Structure, Uses]
 Introduction

Capacitors are fundamental

components in electronic circuits,
known for their ability to store
electrical energy temporarily. They
consist of two conductive plates
separated by an insulating material
called a dielectric. When a voltage is
applied across the plates, an electric
field develops in the dielectric, causing
the capacitor to store charge.
 Knowing Capacitors

Knowing capacitors is essential for understanding their

role in electronics. These components store electric
charge and are characterized by capacitance, measured
in farads. They consist of two conductive plates
separated by an insulating material, which can be air,
ceramic, or electrolyte-based, depending on the
capacitor type.

Capacitors are crucial in filtering noise, stabilizing

voltage levels, and storing energy in circuits
 Structure Of
Capacitors
Capacitors have a simple yet effective structure
designed to store electrical energy. They typically
consist of two parallel conductive plates, often made of
metal, separated by a non-conductive material called a
dielectric. This dielectric can be air, ceramic, plastic, or
electrolyte-based, depending on the type of capacitor

Capacitors come in various shapes and sizes, from tiny

surface-mount components used in modern electronics
to large cylindrical capacitors for power applications.
Understanding the structure of capacitors helps in
selecting the right type for specific electronic circuits,
ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Visuals Of A
Capacitor
 Its Working
Capacitors work by storing electrical energy in an
electric field between two conductive plates separated
by a dielectric material. When a voltage is applied across
the plates, electrons accumulate on one plate, creating a
negative charge, while the other plate becomes
positively charged due to the loss of electrons. The
dielectric between them insulates and prevents direct
current flow, allowing the capacitor to store this charge
temporarily. The amount of charge a capacitor can
store, known as capacitance .It depends on the surface
area of the plates, the distance between them, and the
type of dielectric used.
 Capacitors
application
Capacitors are also used in timing circuits, such as oscillators
in clocks and watches. In communication systems, they help to
couple signals between different stages of amplifiers and
other circuit components. Capacitors play a significant role in
storing energy in flash units of cameras and in smoothing out
fluctuations in electrical signals in audio equipment.
Additionally, they are essential in power factor correction in
industrial applications to improve efficiency in electrical
systems. Overall, capacitors are versatile components that
enable numerous functionalities in modern electronic devices
and systems.

Eg- [Touchscreen Technology, Medical Imaging, Motor Start]

 WAYS OF ARRANGING
Capacitors

[I] Series
[II] Parallel

[i] Series :- Arranging capacitors in series involves connecting

them end-to-end so that the positive terminal of one capacitor
connects to the negative terminal of the next. This configuration
increases the total voltage rating of the capacitors while keeping
the capacitance value lower than that of a single capacitor. The
total capacitance of capacitors in series is given by the reciprocal
of the sum of reciprocals of individual capacitances. Arranging
capacitors in series is commonly done to achieve higher voltage
ratings than what a single capacitor can handle, which is useful in
various applications where voltage levels exceed the rating of
individual capacitors
[II] Parellel :-
Arranging capacitors in parallel involves connecting their positive
terminals together and their negative terminals together. This
configuration increases the total of the capacitors while keeping
the voltage rating the same as that of a single capacitor. The total
capacitance of capacitors in parallel is simply the sum of individual
capacitances C1+C2+C3…..+Cn = Cequivalent.
Connecting capacitors in parallel is useful when a higher
capacitance value is required than what a single capacitor can
provide, or for distributing the current among capacitors to handle
higher currents effectively. This configuration is commonly used in
power supply filtering, decoupling in electronic circuits, and energy
storage applications.
This Was All About Connecting Capacitors In
Series and Parallel.
 Types of Capacitors

• Ceramic Capacitors - Ceramic

Capacitors are non-polar devices which means
that they can be used in any direction in the
circuit.

• Film Capacitors - The advantage of film

capacitors is that they are inexpensive and
come with limitless shelf life

• Power Film Capacitors - Construction

techniques and materials that are used in
power film capacitors are similar to that of
ordinary film capacitors. Polypropylene film is
used as a dielectric in a capacitor.

• Electrolytic Capacitors - Metallic

anode coated with an oxidized layer used as a
dielectric. These capacitors are polarized
 Drawback of
Capacitors

One drawback of capacitors is their tendency to lose

stored charge over time due to leakage currents through
their dielectric materials. This phenomenon, known as
leakage or self-discharge, can lead to a gradual decrease
in stored energy, impacting the efficiency of circuits that
rely on capacitors for energy storage. Another limitation
is that capacitors can be sensitive to temperature
variations, which can alter their capacitance and
performance.

Capacitors can be bulky and expensive for high

capacitance values required in certain applications,
although advancements in technology have mitigated
these issues to some extent.
 References

1. Physics NCERT

2. Physics Handbook Arihant

3. Images Outsourced from

different educational websites
[Eg- physicsworld.in & TRIComponents.in]
 Conclusion

In conclusion, capacitors are indispensable

components in electronics, serving crucial roles in
storing and manipulating electrical energy. They
function by storing charge on two conductive
plates separated by an insulating dielectric,
enabling applications ranging from power supply
stabilization and signal filtering to timing circuits
and energy storage. Capacitors come in various
types and sizes, each tailored to specific electrical
requirements. Despite their advantages, such as
high reliability and efficiency
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