Capacitors
A capacitor stores electrical charge between two conductive plates separated by an insulator (dielectric). Also called a condenser.
- Capacitance measured in farads (F); practical values are microfarads (μF) or picofarads (pF).
- In DC circuits: charges up then blocks further DC (acts as an open circuit when fully charged).
- In AC circuits: allows AC to pass through (alternating charge/discharge appears as current flow).
- Uses: smoothing power supply ripple, timing circuits, blocking DC while passing AC.
Series: 1/C_total = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ (total decreases) Parallel: C_total = C₁ + C₂ (total increases)