What are the characteristics and specifications of a capacitor?

There are many characteristics and specifications which appear on a capacitor's datasheet which holds significant value to the nature of the capacitor. These include terms such as the temperature coefficient, the capacitor's equivalent series resistance (ESR), insulation resistance, dielectric absorption and so on. What do all of these terms mean?

What is a capacitor used for?

A capacitor is one of the basic circuit components in electrical and electronic circuits. Capacitors are used to store energy in the form of an electrostatic field. Capacitors are available in several different types and sizes. Each type of capacitor has its unique characteristics and specifications that impact its performance.

What is capacitance of a capacitor?

The property of a capacitor to store charge on its plates in the form of an electrostatic field is called the Capacitance of the capacitor. Not only that, but capacitance is also the property of a capacitor which resists the change of voltage across it.

How are capacitors classified?

The capacitors are classified by the dielectric material used in their construction. There are a variety of dielectric materials used in the construction of capacitors. Some of the common types of capacitors are following –

Are capacitors a memory?

Capacitors have the ability to store an electrical charge in the form of a voltage across themselves even when there is no circuit current flowing, giving them a sort of memory with large electrolytic type reservoir capacitors found in television sets, photo flashes and capacitor banks potentially storing a lethal charge.

How does a capacitor charge?

A capacitor stores electrical charge in the form of the electrostatic field in response to an applied voltage. It charges whenever the applied voltage increases (relative to the current-voltage across the capacitor) by allowing a charging current until the voltage across it equals and is opposite to the applied voltage.