Capacitors (7)

Define a capacitor and its unit of measure.

A device that stores static electric charge; capacitance measured in farads (F).

Where is the dielectric in a parallel-plate capacitor and what does it do?

Between the charged plates; concentrates/enhances the electrostatic field and increases capacitance.

List common dielectric materials used in capacitors.

Dry air, mica, certain plastics, glass, and some metal oxides.

When does a capacitor discharge and what kind of current flows?

When a switch closes the circuit between plates; it delivers a unidirectional DC current (with exponential decay in a simple RC).