How does a capacitor store electrical energy?

When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is created, causing electrons to accumulate on one plate while the other plate develops a positive charge. This process allows the capacitor to store electrical energy in the form of an electrostatic field.

How does a capacitor work?

A capacitor consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is created, causing electrons to accumulate on one plate while the other plate becomes positively charged.

What is a capacitor used for?

They have moving and fixed plates to determine the capacitance and are generally used in circuit of Transmitters and Receivers, Transistor Radios etc. The main function of a capacitor is to store electric energy in an electric field and release this energy to the circuit as and when required.

What happens when a capacitor is connected to a power source?

When a capacitor is connected to a power source, electrons accumulate at one of the conductors (the negative plate), while electrons are removed from the other conductor (the positive plate). This creates a potential difference (voltage) across the plates and establishes an electric field in the dielectric material between them.

Why should a capacitor be placed in a circuit?

By placing capacitors at strategic locations in the circuit, designers can effectively smooth out voltage fluctuations and maintain a consistent voltage level, which is essential for the proper operation of electronic devices.

How does a capacitor protect a power supply?

When a sudden voltage surge occurs, a capacitor can absorb the excess energy, preventing it from reaching sensitive components and causing harm. This protective function is often utilized in power supply circuits, where capacitors are placed across the power rails to suppress voltage spikes and transients.