M6 Capacitor Electrical Energy Storage and Dielectric

These flashcards provide definitions and explanations about capacitors, dielectrics, and their functioning in electrical circuits.

Capacitor

A passive two-terminal electrical component that stores potential energy in an electric field.

Dielectric

A non-conducting material between the conducting plates of a capacitor.

Capacitance

The amount of charge that must be stored in the conductors to produce a certain potential difference.

Energy Stored in Capacitor

Given by the formula U = 1/2 CVab^2 or U = 1/2 QVab, where U is electric potential energy.

Parallel Plate Capacitor

A capacitor consisting of two conductors separated by a dielectric.

Capacitance Formula

C = Q/Vab, where C is capacitance in farads, Q is charge in coulombs, and Vab is potential difference in volts.

Factors Affecting Capacitance

Capacitance is proportional to the area of the plates (A) and inversely proportional to the separation distance (d).

Dielectric Constant

A measure of a material's ability to store electrical energy in an electric field.

Capacitors in Series

When capacitors are connected one after another, the total charge (QT) is equal to the charge on each capacitor.

Capacitors in Parallel

When capacitors are connected side by side, they share the same voltage across them.