Sähkökondensaattorit

Sähkökondensaattorit, often simply called kondensaattorit, are passive electronic components that store electrical energy in an electric field. They consist of two conductive plates separated by a non-conductive dielectric material. When a voltage is applied across the plates, electric charge accumulates on them, with positive charge on one plate and negative charge on the other. This stored charge represents potential energy.

The ability of a capacitor to store charge is measured by its capacitance, typically expressed in farads (F). Capacitance depends on the area of the plates, the distance between them, and the properties of the dielectric material. Common dielectric materials include ceramics, electrolytes, plastics, and air.

Sähkökondensaattorit have numerous applications in electronic circuits. They are used for filtering out unwanted frequencies in power supplies and audio circuits, storing energy for quick discharge in flash photography and defibrillators, and as timing elements in oscillators and integrated circuits. They can also be used to block direct current while allowing alternating current to pass. Different types of kondensaattorit are designed for specific purposes, varying in capacitance, voltage rating, size, and cost. Electrolytic kondensaattorit, for example, offer high capacitance values in a small volume but are polarized and can be sensitive to voltage reversal. Ceramic kondensaattorit are generally smaller, non-polarized, and suitable for high-frequency applications.