CAPACITORS Meaning and
Definition
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Capacitors are electronic components that store and release electrical energy in an electrical circuit. They are also known as condensers. Capacitors consist of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. The plates can be made of metal or foil and are usually cylindrical, disk-shaped, or in the form of parallel plates. The dielectric material can vary depending on the capacitor's intended use and can be made from materials like ceramic, plastic, tantalum, or electrolyte.
When voltage is applied across the capacitor, an electric field is created between the plates. This causes the accumulation of positive and negative charges on the respective plates. The stored charge in the capacitor creates an electrostatic field that opposes any change in the voltage across the circuit.
Capacitors have various functions in electronic circuits. They can store and discharge electrical energy rapidly, acting as a source of power in applications such as flash cameras or defibrillators. Capacitors are used to smooth out voltage fluctuations, known as ripple, in power supplies. They can also block direct current (DC) while allowing alternating current (AC) to pass through circuits in filters or coupling applications.
The capacitance of a capacitor, measured in Farads (F), determines its ability to store charge. Capacitors with larger capacitance can store more charge and are commonly used in applications requiring high energy storage, while those with smaller capacitance are used in less demanding applications.
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Etymology of CAPACITORS
The word "capacitor" is derived from the Latin word "capacitās", which means "capacity" or "capability". It is based on the Latin word "capax", meaning "able to hold" or "receptive". The term "capacitor" was first used in the field of electricity in the early 19th century to describe a device capable of holding and storing electrical energy, hence its association with "capacity" or "capability".
Similar spelling words for CAPACITORS
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