Search the Design+Encyclopedia:

Capacitor


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
248986

Capacitor

A capacitor is an essential component in electronic circuits that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by a non-conductive dielectric material. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is created, which causes the electrons to accumulate on one plate and leave the other plate with a positive charge. The amount of charge that a capacitor can store is determined by its capacitance, which is measured in farads. Capacitors are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including power supplies, audio equipment, and computers. They are used to filter out noise from power supplies, to smooth out voltage fluctuations, and to store energy for short periods of time. They are also used in timing circuits, as well as in radio frequency circuits to tune and filter signals. Capacitors come in various types, including ceramic, electrolytic, tantalum, and film capacitors. Each type has its own unique characteristics, such as capacitance, voltage rating, and temperature range. Ceramic capacitors are commonly used in high-frequency circuits due to their low cost and stability. Electrolytic capacitors are used in power supplies due to their high capacitance and low cost. Tantalum capacitors are used in circuits that require high stability and reliability. Film capacitors are used in circuits that require high precision and low loss. In summary, capacitors are an essential component in electronic circuits that store electrical energy in an electric field. They are used in a wide range of electronic devices and come in various types with unique characteristics. Capacitors play a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of electronic devices and circuits.

electronic circuits, conductive plates, dielectric material, capacitance, farads, power supplies, ceramic capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, film capacitors

— Joseph Moore

219231

Capacitor

The word Capacitor is a noun, and refers to an electronic device consisting of two or more electrical conductors separated by an insulator, used for the temporary storage of electrical energy. Synonyms for capacitor include condenser, accumulator, and charge storage device. Antonyms include wire, current, and battery. Cognates include the French words condensateur, accumulateur, and charge de stockage. Variants of the word capacitor include capacitator and capacitancy.

Etymology Capacitor, Morphology, Components, Conductors, Dielectric, Insulator

— George Adrian Postea

CITATION : "George Adrian Postea. 'Capacitor.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/capacitor?E=219231 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"

178823

Capacitor

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores energy in the form of an electric field. It is made up of two metal plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. As a result, when a voltage is applied across the two plates, a charge is built up. Capacitors are able to store energy whether it is in the form of AC or DC, and can be used in a variety of applications including power electronics, consumer appliances, and robotics. They are particularly useful for filtering out high-frequency AC signals, and for providing a ‘buffer’ that helps regulate power.

Capacitor, Electronics, Energy, Power, Filtering, Voltage, Dielectric, AC, DC, Robotics

— Taro Yamada


Capacitor Definition

Capacitor on Design+Encyclopedia

We have 220,822 Topics and 478,829 Entries and Capacitor has 3 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Capacitor today.