Unit 2 Day 1 – Definition Determination of Capacitance.pptVIP

Definition Determination of Capacitance Definition of Capacitance Uses for Capacitors Capacitor Symbology Properties of a Capacitor Determination of Capacitance Capacitors A capacitor is a device which stores electric charge on two conducting plates, separated by a finite gap. Electric potential energy is stored in a uniform electric field, generated by the charge distribution on the two plates Uses for Capacitors Capacitors are used to dissipate electric energy to run a camera flash A capacitor can provide energy to back-up computer power supplies Capacitors can block low frequency AC signals, and act as power supply filters Capacitor Symbology Capacitor schematic symbols vs. Battery schematic symbol Properties of a Capacitor When a capacitor is connected to a source of potential difference (battery), the electrons are drawn to the (+) terminal of the battery flow to the other plate, until equilibrium has been reached Properties of a Capacitor The electron debt on the LH plate leaves the plate with a net (+) charge. The excess electrons on the RH plate leaves the plate with a net (-) charge. +Q -Q The establishment of this charge distribution leads to the development of a uniform electric field between the plates Capacitance Parameters The amount of potential difference (ΔV) that can be applied across the plates is limited by the amount of charge that can be accumulated on the plates is given by the relationship: SI Units: Farads (1μF = 1.0 x 10-6 F) Determination of Capacitance The electric field between the plates Is mostly uniform The capacitance does not depend on Q or ΔV but only on the geometry of the device The Coaxial Capacitor Capacitance of Parallel Conducting Wires 2 conducting wires, of radius R, and length l * *