Capacitors are important electronic components used for storing energy in the form of an electrostatic field. They are also used to smoothen the electricity flow.

Construction of a Capacitor
The equipment consists of two conducting plates, which are separated by an insulating material called the dielectric. The capacitance is in direct proportion to the surface areas of the plates, and is in inverse proportion to the separation between the plates. Capacitance is also dependent on the dielectric constant of the substance separating the plates.

Types of Capacitor
Capacitors can be categorized into:

• Fixed Capacitor: These equipment have a fixed capacitance value, which is non adjustable. They have only one value.
• Variable Capacitor: These equipment are adjustable, a form of potentiometer. They have varying values.

Important Specifications for Capacitors
The performance of a capacitor is dependent on certain specifications including:

• Capacitance range
• Capacitance tolerance
• Working DC voltage
• Insulation resistance
• Dissipation factor
• Temperature coefficient

Use of Capacitors

• Educational Laboratory
• Electronic Components
• Electric Equipment
• Engineering
• Semi Conductors