Capacitors are fundamental passive electronic components that store electrical energy in an
electric field.1 They are ubiquitous in electronic circuits, performing a wide variety of
functions.2
Here are short notes on capacitors:
1. Basic Definition & Structure
Definition: A capacitor is a two-terminal electrical component that temporarily stores
electrical energy in an electric field.3
Structure: Typically consists of two conductive plates (e.g., metal foils) separated by a non-
conductive insulating material called a dielectric.4
2. How it Works (Charging & Discharging)
Charging: When a voltage is applied across the plates, electrons are pulled from one plate
and pushed onto the other.5 This creates a charge separation: one plate becomes positively
charged, and the other becomes negatively charged.6 An electric field is established in the
dielectric between the plates, storing energy.7
Discharging: When the voltage source is removed and a path is provided, the stored energy
causes the electrons to flow back, equalizing the charges on the plates until the voltage across
the capacitor drops to zero.
3. Capacitance (C)
Definition: A measure of a capacitor's ability to store charge.8 It quantifies how much charge
can be stored per unit of voltage applied across it.9
Formula: 10C=VQ
o C: Capacitance (measured in Farads, F)11
o Q: Magnitude of charge stored on one plate (measured in Coulombs, C)
o V: Voltage difference across the plates (measured in Volts, V)12
Units: The SI unit is the Farad (F). One Farad is a very large capacitance, so practical
capacitors are usually measured in microfarads (13μF), nanofarads (nF), or picofarads (pF).14
Factors Affecting Capacitance:
o Area of Plates (A): Larger area = Higher capacitance (15C∝A)16
o Distance Between Plates (d): Smaller distance = Higher capacitance (17C∝d1)18
o Dielectric Material (19ϵr or 20κ): The type of dielectric material influences capacitance.21 A
higher dielectric constant (or relative permittivity) of the material increases capacitance.22
Formula for parallel plate capacitor: C=dϵA=dϵrϵ0A
ϵ: Permittivity of the dielectric material23
ϵ0: Permittivity of free space (248.854×10−12 F/m)25
4. Energy Stored
Formula: The energy (U) stored in a capacitor is given by:
o U=21CV2
o U=21QV
o U=2CQ2
Units: Joules (J).
5. Types of Capacitors
Capacitors come in various types, each with specific characteristics and applications:
Ceramic Capacitors: Small, inexpensive, low capacitance, non-polarized.
Electrolytic Capacitors: High capacitance, polarized (must be connected with correct
polarity), generally larger.26 Used for power supply filtering.
Film Capacitors: Good stability, low loss, used in audio and high-frequency applications.27
Tantalum Capacitors: Smaller than electrolytics for similar capacitance, polarized, often
used in mobile devices.
Variable Capacitors: Capacitance can be adjusted, used in tuning circuits (e.g., old radio
tuners).28
Supercapacitors (Ultracapacitors): Very high capacitance (Farads), bridge the gap between
conventional capacitors and batteries for energy storage.29
6. Applications
Capacitors are essential in almost all electronic circuits for functions like:
Filtering: Smoothing out voltage ripples in power supplies (e.g., converting AC to DC).30
Timing: Used in RC (Resistor-Capacitor) circuits for delays and oscillations.31
Coupling/Decoupling: Blocking DC while allowing AC signals to pass (coupling), or
shunting unwanted high-frequency noise to ground (decoupling).32
Energy Storage: Flash units in cameras, defibrillators.33
Tuning: In radio and TV tuners to select specific frequencies.34
Motor Starting: Providing a phase shift for AC motors.35
7. Capacitors in Series and Parallel
Series: When capacitors are connected in series, the total capacitance decreases.36
o Ctotal1=C11+C21+C31+...
Parallel: When capacitors are connected in parallel, the total capacitance increases.37
o Ctotal=C1+C2+C3+...
Capacitors are passive workhorses of electronics, enabling the functionality of countless
devices by their ability to quickly store and release electrical energy.38
