Capacitors

What is the structure of a capacitor

It consists of two metal plates seperated by a thin layer of insulating material

What is the formula for capacitance

C = Q/V

What affects the capacitance

The area of the metal plates, the distance separating the metal plates, material used for the dielectric

What types if bob-polarised capacitors are there

mica, ceramic, polyester film

What tyoe of polarised capacitors are there

aluminium electrolytic, tantalum electrolytic

What are the differences between a polarised and non-polarised capacitors

Non-polarised capacitors can be connected in any direction but have smaller capacitances and are typically smaller

Why is it important to use a capacitor with care?

Without a discharge path, a capacitor can hold onto electric charges for a long time and may endger the person working on the circuit, especially if it is charged to a high voltage.

What affects the charging and discharging of a capacitor?

The resistance and the capacitance of the capacitor

Formula for time constant

t = RC

What is the significance of the time constant?

It is the amount of time to get to 2/3 of the applied voltage and 5t is when it is charged to 99.3%