
Capacitor - Wikipedia
Colloquially, a capacitor may be called a cap. [2] The utility of a capacitor depends on its capacitance. While some capacitance exists between any two electrical conductors in proximity in a circuit, a …
How Capacitors Work | HowStuffWorks
In this article, we'll learn exactly what a capacitor is, what it does and how it's used in electronics. We'll also look at the history of the capacitor and how several people helped shape its progress.
Capacitor | Definition, Function, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 26, 2025 · A capacitor, also called a condenser, is thus essentially a sandwich of two plates of conducting material separated by an insulating material, or dielectric. Its primary function is to store …
A Complete Guide to Capacitors - Circuit Basics
A capacitor is an electrical component used to store energy in an electric field. It has two electrical conductors separated by a dielectric material that both accumulate charge when connected to a …
Capacitor: Principle, Types, Applications, Examples, Safety
Jul 10, 2025 · What is a Capacitor? An electronic device containing two terminals that stores and distributes electrical energy is called a capacitor. The main purpose of a capacitor is to store …
8.2: Capacitors and Capacitance - Physics LibreTexts
Jul 15, 2025 · A capacitor is a device used to store electrical charge and electrical energy. It consists of at least two electrical conductors separated by a distance. (Note that such electrical conductors are …
How do capacitors work? - Explain that Stuff
Feb 16, 2025 · What is a capacitor? Take two electrical conductors (things that let electricity flow through them) and separate them with an insulator (a material that doesn't let electricity flow very …
Capacitor Guide for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know
Jun 13, 2025 · Capacitors are among the most essential electronic components found in every circuit, from simple hobbyist projects to advanced digital devices. In this guide, we explain what a capacitor …
Capacitors - SparkFun Learn
A capacitor can retain its electric field -- hold its charge -- because the positive and negative charges on each of the plates attract each other but never reach each other.
Capacitor - Physics Book
Nov 29, 2017 · A capacitor can store electric energy when it is connected to its charging circuit. And when it is disconnected from its charging circuit, it can dissipate that stored energy, so it can be used …