kapacitorens

A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material, which is an electrical insulator. When a voltage is applied across the plates, positive charge accumulates on one plate and negative charge on the other, creating an electric field between them. This stored energy can be released later.

The ability of a capacitor to store charge is quantified by its capacitance, measured in farads (F). Capacitance depends on the area of the plates, the distance between them, and the dielectric constant of the insulating material. Larger plates and a smaller separation generally result in higher capacitance. Different dielectric materials, such as ceramic, film, or electrolytic, offer varying properties and are chosen based on the specific application requirements.

Capacitors have numerous applications in electronics. They are used in power supply filtering to smooth out fluctuating direct current, in timing circuits to control the rate of charge and discharge, and in resonant circuits for tuning to specific frequencies. They also play a role in energy storage for devices like camera flashes and defibrillators, and in blocking direct current while allowing alternating current to pass. The behavior of capacitors is described by fundamental laws of electromagnetism.