III.

Internet Related Articles (IRA)

What is a Capacitance?

Capacitance is the amount of charge that can be stored at a given voltage by an electrical
component called a capacitor. The unit of capacitance is the Farad (F) and a 1F capacitor
charged to 1V will hold one Coulomb of charge.

A capacitor is a passive electronic component that consists of two conductive plates

separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. A voltage applied to the plates creates
an electric field across the dielectric, which causes the plates to accumulate a charge. The
charge remains after the voltage source is removed, allowing energy to be stored until the
capacitor is discharged (allowing the stored energy to perform work).

Capacitance is the ability of a component or circuit to collect and store energy in the form
of an electrical charge.

Capacitors are energy-storing devices available in many sizes and shapes. They consist of
two plates of conducting material (usually a thin metal) sandwiched between an insulator
made of ceramic, film, glass or other materials, even air.

The insulator is also known as a dielectric, and it boosts a capacitor's charging capacity.
Capacitors are sometimes called condensers in the automotive, marine and aviation
industries.

The internal plates are wired to two external terminals, which sometimes are long and thin
and can resemble tiny metallic antennae or legs. These terminals can be plugged into a
circuit.

Capacitors and batteries both store energy. While batteries release energy gradually,
capacitors discharge it quickly.

Capacitance is a fundamental property in the field of electronics, representing the ability

of a component to store electrical energy in the form of an electric field. It is denoted by
the symbol 'C' and is measured in farads (F). Capacitance plays a crucial role in numerous
electronic devices, circuits, and systems, contributing to their functionality and
performance.

The basic structure of a capacitor, the component that embodies capacitance, consists of
two conductive plates separated by a non-conductive material known as a dielectric. When
a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is established, leading to the
accumulation of charges of opposite polarities on the respective plates. The capacitance of
the capacitor depends on the surface area of the plates, the distance between them, and the
properties of the dielectric material.

Capacitors find widespread use in smoothing electrical signals and filtering out unwanted
fluctuations in voltage. They act as energy storage devices that can quickly release stored
energy when needed, helping stabilize electrical systems and prevent disruptions. In
electronic power supplies, capacitors are often employed to maintain a constant voltage
and minimize ripples or voltage variations.

The relationship between capacitance, voltage, and charge is described by the formula Q =
CV, where Q is the charge stored, C is the capacitance, and V is the voltage across the
capacitor. This relationship underscores the direct proportionality between the charge
accumulated and the voltage applied, highlighting the capacitor's ability to store electrical
energy efficiently.

Capacitors exhibit distinct behavior during charging and discharging processes. When a
capacitor is connected to a voltage source, it charges up as it accumulates charge on its
plates. Conversely, during the discharging process, a charged capacitor releases its stored
energy when connected to a load, gradually reducing the voltage across its plates.
Understanding these charging and discharging dynamics is essential for engineers
designing circuits and systems that involve capacitors.

Capacitors are fundamental components in electrical engineering, serving as energy storage

devices that store and release electrical energy in the form of an electric field. Represented
by the symbol 'C,' capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits, power systems, and
various electronic devices. The concept of a capacitor is rooted in the fundamental
principles of electrostatics and the ability of certain materials to store electric charge.

A capacitor typically consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material.

When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is established, causing opposite
charges to accumulate on the plates. The capacitance of the capacitor, measured in farads,
is a measure of its ability to store charge per unit voltage. The relationship between
capacitance, charge, and voltage is described by the formula Q = CV, where Q is the charge,
C is the capacitance, and V is the voltage.

One of the primary applications of capacitors is in smoothing and filtering electronic

signals. Capacitors can store and release energy quickly, helping stabilize voltage levels
and eliminate unwanted fluctuations in circuits. They are also integral components in
timing circuits, such as those used in oscillators and filters. Capacitors play a crucial role
in energy storage systems, providing backup power in the event of voltage drops or
interruptions.

In addition to their energy storage capabilities, capacitors are essential in coupling and
decoupling signals between different parts of a circuit. They enable the transfer of
alternating current (AC) signals while blocking direct current (DC), allowing for the
efficient transmission of information and the separation of different frequency components
in electronic systems.

The behavior of capacitors in circuits is further characterized by their charging and

discharging processes. When a capacitor is initially connected to a voltage source, it
charges up, accumulating charge on its plates. As the voltage across the capacitor reaches
its maximum, the charging process slows down. In contrast, during discharging, a charged
capacitor releases its stored energy when connected to a load, gradually reducing the
voltage across its plates.

Capacitors also find extensive use in power factor correction, where they help improve the
efficiency of electrical systems by compensating for reactive power. Reactive power arises
due to the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits, and capacitors can
be strategically employed to minimize this phase shift and enhance overall system
efficiency.

Importance of Capacitor

Capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits, playing a fundamental role in

storing and releasing electrical energy. The basic working principle of a capacitor revolves
around its ability to store charge on its plates, creating an electric field between them. This
phenomenon is rooted in the principles of electrostatics and the behavior of charges in a
dielectric medium.
The structure of a capacitor typically consists of two conductive plates separated by a
dielectric material. When a voltage is applied across the plates, electrons are drawn from
one plate and accumulate on the other, creating a potential difference. The dielectric
material between the plates serves to insulate them and enhance the capacitor's ability to
store charge. The electric field established between the plates holds the accumulated
charges, forming the basis of the capacitor's functionality.

The capacitance of a capacitor is a measure of its ability to store charge per unit voltage. It
depends on factors such as the surface area of the plates, the distance between them, and
the properties of the dielectric material. The relationship between capacitance (C), charge
(Q), and voltage (V) is expressed by the equation Q = CV, where Q is the charge stored, C
is the capacitance, and V is the voltage across the capacitor.

Capacitors are commonly employed in electronic circuits for various purposes. One key
application is in smoothing and filtering signals. When capacitors are strategically placed
in a circuit, they can store energy during periods of high voltage and release it during low
voltage, effectively smoothing out fluctuations and maintaining a more constant voltage
level. This feature is particularly valuable in power supply circuits, contributing to the
stability and reliability of electronic devices.

In addition to signal smoothing, capacitors play a vital role in timing circuits. Their ability
to charge and discharge at specific rates is exploited in oscillators and timing circuits,
influencing the frequency and duration of signals. Capacitors are also used in coupling and
decoupling applications, allowing the transmission of alternating current (AC) signals
while blocking direct current (DC), enabling the efficient transfer of information between
different parts of a circuit.

Capacitors exhibit distinct behavior during the charging and discharging processes. When
a capacitor is initially connected to a voltage source, it undergoes a charging phase as it
accumulates charge on its plates. The rate of charging is governed by the RC time constant,
where R is the resistance in the circuit and C is the capacitance. During discharging, a
charged capacitor releases its stored energy when connected to a load, gradually reducing
the voltage across its plates.

Capacitance is expressed as the ratio of the electric charge on each conductor to the
potential difference (i.e., voltage) between them.
The capacitance value of a capacitor is measured in farads (F), units named for English
physicist Michael Faraday (1791–1867).

A farad is a large quantity of capacitance. Most household electrical devices include

capacitors that produce only a fraction of a farad, often a thousandth of a farad (or
microfarad, µF) or as small as a picofarad (a trillionth, pF).

Supercapacitors, meanwhile, can store very large electrical charges of thousands of farads.

How to increase capacitance

Capacitance can be increased when:

• A capacitor's plates (conductors) are positioned closer together.

• Larger plates offer more surface area.

• The dielectric is the best possible insulator for the application.

Capacitors come in various shapes.

In electrical circuits, capacitors are frequently used to block direct current (dc) while
permitting alternating current (ac) to flow.

Some digital multimeters offer a capacitance measurement function so technicians can:

• Identify an unknown or unlabeled capacitor.

• Detect open or shorted capacitors.

• Measure capacitors directly and display their value.

Capacitance, property of an electric conductor, or set of conductors, that is measured by

the amount of separated electric charge that can be stored on it per unit change in electrical
potential. Capacitance also implies an associated storage of electrical energy. If electric
charge is transferred between two initially uncharged conductors, both become equally
charged, one positively, the other negatively, and a potential difference is established
between them. The capacitance C is the ratio of the amount of charge q on either conductor
to the potential difference V between the conductors, or simply C = q/V.

In both the practical and the metre–kilogram–second scientific systems, the unit of electric
charge is the coulomb and the unit of potential difference is the volt, so that the unit of
capacitance—named the farad (symbolized F)—is one coulomb per volt. One farad is an
extremely large capacitance. Convenient subdivisions in common use are one-millionth of
a farad, called a microfarad (μF), and one-millionth of a microfarad, called a picofarad (pF;
older term, micromicrofarad, μμF). In the electrostatic system of units, capacitance has
dimensions of distance.

Capacitance in electric circuits is deliberately introduced by a device called a capacitor. It

was discovered by the Prussian scientist Ewald Georg von Kleist in 1745 and
independently by the Dutch physicist Pieter van Musschenbroek at about the same time,
while in the process of investigating electrostatic phenomena. They

discovered that electricity obtained from an electrostatic machine could be stored for a
period of time and then released. The device, which came to be known as the Leyden jar,
consisted of a stoppered glass vial or jar filled with water, with a nail piercing the stopper
and dipping into the water. By holding the jar in the hand and touching the nail to the
conductor of an electrostatic machine, they found that a shock could be obtained from the
nail after disconnecting it, by touching it with the free hand. This reaction showed that
some of the electricity from the machine had been stored.

A simple but fundamental step in the evolution of the capacitor was taken by the English
astronomer John Bevis in 1747 when he replaced the water by metal foil forming a lining
on the inside surface of the glass and another covering the outside surface. This form of the
capacitor with a conductor projecting from the mouth of the jar and touching the lining
had, as its principal physical features, two conductors of extended area kept nearly equally
separated by an insulating, or dielectric, layer made as thin as practicable. These features
have been retained in every modern form of capacitor.

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 electrical energy. Capacitors differ in the size and geometrical arrangement of
the plates and in the kind of dielectric material used. Hence, they have such names as mica,
paper, ceramic, air, and electrolytic capacitors. Their capacitance may be fixed or
adjustable over a range of values for use in tuning circuits.

The energy stored by a capacitor corresponds to the work performed (by a battery, for
example) in creating opposite charges on the two plates at the applied voltage. The amount
of charge that can be stored depends on the area of the plates, the spacing between them,
the dielectric material in the space, and the applied voltage.

A capacitor incorporated in an alternating-current (AC) circuit is alternately charged and

discharged each half cycle. The time available for charging or discharging thus depends on
the frequency of the current, and if the time required is greater than the length of the half
cycle, the polarization (separation of charge) is not complete. Under such conditions, the
dielectric constant appears to be less than that observed in a direct-current circuit and to
vary with frequency, becoming lower at higher frequencies. During the alternation of
polarity of the plates, the charges must be displaced through the dielectric first in one
direction and then in the other, and overcoming the opposition that they encounter leads to
a production of heat known as dielectric loss, a characteristic that must be considered when
applying capacitors to electrical circuits, such as those in radio and television receivers.
Dielectric losses depend on frequency and the dielectric material.

Except for the leakage (usually small) through the dielectric, no current flows through a
capacitor when it is subject to a constant voltage. Alternating current will pass readily,
however, and is called a displacement current.

A capacitor is a little like a battery but works completely differently. A battery is an

electronic device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, whereas a capacitor
is an electronic component that stores electrostatic energy in an electric field. In this article,
let’s learn about capacitors in detail.

History of Capacitor and Capacitance

The history of capacitors and capacitance is a fascinating journey that spans centuries,
marked by the evolution of scientific understanding and technological advancements. The
concept of capacitance has its roots in the early 18th century when researchers began
exploring the properties of static electricity. In 1745, Ewald Georg von Kleist, a German
scientist, and Pieter van Musschenbroek, a Dutch scientist, independently discovered the
principle of storing electrical charge using a glass jar coated with metal. Musschenbroek's
version, known as the Leyden jar, became a precursor to the modern capacitor.

The Leyden jar marked the first practical application of capacitance, demonstrating the
ability to store and release electrical charge. This discovery paved the way for further
experimentation and theoretical development in the field. In the late 18th century, Italian
scientist Alessandro Volta investigated the phenomenon of capacitance and made
significant contributions. He observed that the capacitance of a capacitor increased with
the surface area of its plates and the type of dielectric material used, laying the groundwork
for understanding capacitance on a more systematic level.

The 19th century witnessed continued exploration into the principles of capacitance.
Michael Faraday, a British scientist, introduced the concept of electric and magnetic fields
and developed the laws of electromagnetic induction, which greatly influenced the
understanding of capacitors. Faraday's work set the stage for the formulation of
mathematical relationships governing capacitance and its connection to charge and voltage.
During this period, the term "capacitance" emerged, solidifying the scientific community's
recognition of this electrical property.

In the early 20th century, engineers and scientists began to delve deeper into the practical
applications of capacitance in emerging technologies. The invention of the vacuum tube
and the advent of radio technology presented new challenges and opportunities for
capacitor development. Scientists explored various dielectric materials and construction
techniques to enhance the performance and reliability of capacitors in electronic circuits.

The mid-20th century witnessed the rapid growth of the electronics industry, with
capacitors playing a crucial role in the development of electronic devices. The introduction
of solid-state technology and the integration of capacitors into miniaturized electronic
components contributed to the widespread adoption of electronic devices in various fields.
The demand for capacitors in telecommunications, computing, and consumer electronics
surged, prompting continuous innovation and improvements in capacitor design and
manufacturing.

In recent decades, the evolution of capacitors has been marked by advancements in

materials, manufacturing processes, and applications. The development of high-
capacitance electrolytic capacitors and advanced dielectric materials has expanded the
range of applications in which capacitors can be used. Capacitors are now integral to energy
storage systems, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and countless electronic
devices that define the modern technological landscape.

How Do You Determine the Value of Capacitance?

The conducting plates have some charges Q1 and Q2 (Usually, if one plate has +q, the
other has –q charge). The electric field in the region between the plates depends on the
charge given to the conducting plates. We also know that potential difference (V) is directly
proportional to the electric field hence we can say,

𝑄∝𝑉

𝑄 = 𝐶𝑉

capacitor.

𝑄
𝐶=𝑉
This constant of proportionality is known as the capacitance of the

Capacitance is the ratio of the change in the electric charge of a system to

the corresponding change in its electric potential.

The capacitance of any capacitor can be either fixed or variable, depending on its usage.
From the equation, it may seem that ‘C’ depends on charge and voltage. Actually, it depends
on the shape and size of the capacitor and also on the insulator used between the conducting
plates.

Energy Stored in a Capacitor

Once the opposite charges have been placed on either side of a parallel- plate capacitor, the
charges can be used to work by allowing them to move towards each other through a circuit.
The equation gives the total energy that can be extracted from a fully charged capacitor:

𝑈=

1
𝐶𝑉2
2

Capacitors function a lot like rechargeable batteries. The main difference between a
capacitor and a battery lies in the technique they employ to store energy. Unlike batteries,
the capacitor’s ability to store energy doesn’t come from chemical reactions but from the
physical design that allows it to hold negative and positive charges apart.

Energy Stored in a Capacitor

The dramatisation that is usually seen in movies where medical personnel uses a
defibrillator to pass an electric current through a patient’s heart to get it to beat normally
uses the energy stored in a capacitor. Less dramatic application of the energy stored in the
capacitor lies in the use of capacitors in microelectronics, such as handheld calculators. In
this article, we discuss the energy stored in the capacitor and the formula used to calculate
the energy stored in a capacitor.
How to Calculate the Energy Stored in a Capacitor?

The energy stored in a capacitor is nothing but the electric potential energy and is related
to the voltage and charge on the capacitor. If the capacitance of a conductor

is C, then it is initially uncharged and it acquires a potential difference V when connected

to a battery. If q is the charge on the plate at that time, then

𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉

The work done is equal to the product of the potential and charge.
Hence, W = Vq

If the battery delivers a small amount of charge dQ at a constant potential V, then the work
done is

𝑞
𝑑𝑊 = 𝑉𝑑𝑞 = 𝐶 𝑑𝑞
Now, the total work done in delivering a charge of an amount q to the capacitor is given by

𝑞𝑞

1 𝑞2

1 𝑞2
𝑊=∫
0

𝐶 𝑑𝑞 = 𝐶 2

=2𝐶

Substituting

Therefore the energy stored in a capacitor is given by

1 𝑞2
𝑈=2𝐶

in the equation above, we get

𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉

1 2
𝑈 = 2 𝐶𝑉

The energy stored in a capacitor is given by the equation

1 2
𝑈 = 2 𝐶𝑉

Let us look at an example, to better understand how to calculate the energy stored in a
capacitor.

Example:

If the capacitance of a capacitor is 50 F charged to a potential of 100 V,

Calculate the energy stored in it.

Solution:

We have a capacitor of capacitance 50 F that is charged to a potential of

100 V. The energy stored in the capacitor can be calculated as follows

Substituting the values, we get

1
1 2
𝑈 = 2 𝐶𝑉

2 3

𝑈 = 2 50(100)

= 250 × 10 𝐽

Applications of Capacitor Energy

Following are a few applications of capacitor energy:

• A defibrillator that is used to correct abnormal heart rhythm delivers a large charge
in a short burst to a person’s heart. Applying large shocks of electric current can stop the
arrhythmia and allow the body’s natural pacemaker to resume its normal rhythm. A
defibrillator uses the energy stored in the capacitor.

• The audio equipment, uninterruptible power supplies, camera flashes, pulsed loads
such as magnetic coils and lasers use the energy stored in the capacitors.

• Super capacitors are capable of storing a large amount of energy and can offer new
technological possibilities.

Capacitance is a property of an electric conductor or a group of conductors. It is determined

by the number of separated electric charges per unit change of electrical potential.
Capacitance involves storing electrical energy as well.
When an electric charge is passed between two originally inert wires, both become evenly
charged. One becomes positively changed while the other becomes negatively charged. As
a result, a potential difference develops between them.

Capacitance is denoted by the letter ‘C’. It is defined as the ratio of the charge amount (q)
on either conductor to the potential difference (V) between them.

The capacitance is determined by the geometry of the design (e.g., the size of the plates
and the spacing between them) and the permeability of the dielectric material between the
capacitor’s plates. The permittivity, and consequently the capacitance of dielectric
materials, is not dependent on the total charge and the potential difference between
conductors.

In general, capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the parallel plates
of a capacitor, and directly proportional to the size of the plates. It increases as the
permittivity of the dielectric material increases.

Formula for Capacitance

The capacitance is a function of the conductors’ physical geometry and the dielectric’s
permittivity. Certain factors affect the capacitance of a conductor.

By altering the physical elements controlling capacitance, a capacitor can be made flexible.
The plate area or the extent of plate overlap can be varied in the capacitor’s design.

C = ɛAd

In the given formula,

C = capacitance in Farads,

ɛ = permittivity of a Dielectric,
A = area of a plate overlap in square metres, and d = the distance between plates in metres.
Depending on the application, the capacitance of each capacitor may be constant or
variable. According to the equation, ‘C’ is affected by charge and voltage. In reality, it is
determined by the form and size of the capacitor and the insulator used between its plates.

Measurement of Capacitance

A capacitance metre is a piece of electrical test equipment used to measure capacitance,

most often of discrete capacitors. The capacitor must be unplugged from the circuit while
testing its capacitance.

Capacitance is described as the quantity of electric charge stored inside a conductor. The
unit of capacitance is Farad. In other terms, capacitance may be defined as a capacitor’s
ability to hold a charge. The higher the capacitance value, the more charge a capacitor can
hold.

Factors Affecting Capacitance

Three important variables influence the capacitance of a conductor. These factors can vary
the electric field flux and the relative difference of electrons between the plates. They
develop for a given amount of electric field force, which is the voltage between the plates.

1. The first factor is the size of the conductor. Greater plate area equals higher
capacitance, and smaller plate area equals lower capacitance.

2. The magnitude of separation between the plates is the second factor. When all other
parameters are fixed, an increase in plate separation results in decreased capacitance, and
vice versa.

3. More dielectric permittivity results in higher capacitance, whereas a lower

dielectric permittivity results in lower capacitance.
4. The dielectric is the space between the two parallel plates of a capacitor. It also
relies on the conductor’s size. For example, the larger the conductor, the greater is the
capacitance value.

What are the factors that affect capacitance?

The size of the conductive plates and the permittivity of the insulating dielectric material
determine capacitance.

What is the effect of capacitance?

The larger the capacitance of a capacitor, the longer it takes to charge and discharge. This
means it takes more time for voltage to build up (charge) or fall (discharge). This makes
capacitance useful for filtering out small voltage variations that last only a short length of
time, i.e., high-frequency transients.

What is parasitic capacitance and why is it important in electronic circuits?

Unintended (parasitic) capacitance exists between any two conducting materials – the
closer their proximity and size, the greater the value. This must be factored into the design
of a circuit as it can affect the speed at which it operates. For example, a large transistor
may allow faster switching, but its larger size means a larger

parasitic capacitance exists between its terminals and this may slow the speed of the circuit
driving it.
How is capacitance measured?

Capacitance is measured using a capacitance meter. A 1F capacitor would be quite big –

the size of a small bottle. For this reason, capacitance values used in electronic circuits are
in the microfarad to nanofarad range.

Standard Units of Capacitance

The basic unit of capacitance is Farad. But, Farad is a large unit for practical tasks. Hence,
capacitance is usually measured in the sub-units of Farads, such as micro-farads (µF) or
pico-farads (pF).

Most of the electrical and electronic applications are covered by the following standard
unit (SI) prefixes for easy calculations:

• 1 mF (millifarad) = 10−3 F
• 1 μF (microfarad) =10−6 F
• 1 nF (nanofarad) = 10−9 F
• 1 pF (picofarad) = 10−12 F

Capacitance of a Parallel Plate Capacitor

The parallel plate capacitor as shown in the figure has two identical conducting plates, each
having a surface area A and separated by a distance d. When voltage V is applied to the
plates, it stores charge Q.

The force between charges increases with charge values and decreases with the distance
between them. The bigger the area of the plates, the more charge they can store. Hence, the
value of C is greater for a large value of A. Similarly, the closer the plates are, the greater
the attraction of the opposite charges on them. Therefore C is greater for a smaller d.
The formula gives the charge density on the plates

𝑄
𝜎=𝐴
When the distance of separation (d) is small, the electric field between the plates is fairly
uniform, and its magnitude is given by:
𝜎
𝐸=𝜖
0

As the electric field between the plates is uniform, the potential difference between the
plates is given by

𝜎𝑑 𝑄𝑑

𝑉 = 𝐸𝑑 =

=
𝜖0 𝜖𝐴

Substituting the above value of V in the capacitance formula, we get

𝑄 𝑄 𝐴

𝐶= =
𝑉 𝑄𝑑/𝜖0

𝐴 = 𝜖0 𝑑
Solved Example:

Calculate the capacitance of an empty parallel-plate capacitor with metal plates with an
area of 1.00 m2, separated by 1.00 mm.

Solution:
Using the formula, we can calculate the capacitance as follows:

Substituting the values, we get

𝐶 = (8.85 × 10−12

𝐹
𝑚)

𝐴
𝐶 = 𝜖0 𝑑
1𝑚2
= 8.85 × 10−9𝐹 = 8.85𝑛𝐹
1 × 10−3𝑚

Capacitance of a Spherical Capacitor

Spherical capacitors consist of two concentric conducting spherical shells of radii R1 and
R2. The shells are given equal and opposite charges +Q and – Q respectively. The electric
field between shells is directed radially outward. The magnitude of the field can be obtained
by applying Gauss law over a spherical Gaussian surface of radius r concentric with the
shells.

The enclosed charge is +Q, therefore

ф 𝑠 𝐸̅→ · 𝑛^𝑑𝐴 = 𝐸(4𝜋𝑟2) = 𝑄
𝜖0

The electric field between the conductor is given as

𝐸̅→ = 1

𝑄
𝑟^

4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟2
Integrating E along the radial path between the shells, we get
𝑅2
→

𝑄 1 1

𝑉 = ∫ 𝐸̅→ · 𝑑𝐿 =
𝑅1

4𝜋𝜖0

(
𝑅1

− )
𝑅2

The potential difference between two conductors can be calculated using the formula

𝐵
𝑉𝐵−𝑉𝐴 = − ∫ 𝐸̅→ 𝑑→𝐿
𝐴

The potential difference between the plates is

𝑉 = −(𝑉2 − 𝑉1) = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2
Substituting the value of V in the capacitance formula, we get
𝑄 𝑅1𝑅2

𝐶 = 𝑉 = 4𝜋𝜖0 𝑅

− 𝑅1

Understanding the Relationship between Capacitance, Voltage, and Current

Capacitors are crucial components in electronic circuits, with their properties of

capacitance, voltage, and current determining their behavior and applications. This article
explores the relationship between capacitance, voltage, and current, explaining their
interdependence in a capacitor’s operation.

1. Capacitance

Capacitance is a measure of a capacitor’s ability to store electrical energy and oppose

changes in voltage. It is determined by the surface area of the conductive plates, the
distance between them, and the dielectric material’s properties. Capacitance is measured
in farads (F) and is typically represented by the letter ‘C’ in equations.

2. Voltage

Voltage, or electric potential difference, is the driving force that causes

electric charges to move in a circuit. In a capacitor, the voltage across its plates determines
the strength of the electric field and the amount of energy stored. Voltage is measured in
volts (V) and is represented by the letter ‘V’ in equations.

3. Current

Current is the flow of electric charges in a circuit, measured in amperes

(A). In a capacitor, the current flow depends on the voltage across the capacitor and the
rate at which the voltage changes. The current is represented by the letter ‘I’ in equations.
4. The Relationship between Capacitance, Voltage, and Current

The relationship between capacitance, voltage, and current can be described using the
formula I = C × (dV/dt), where I is the current flowing through the capacitor, C is the
capacitance, and dV/dt is the rate of change of voltage across the capacitor. This equation
highlights the following relationships:

• Capacitance and Voltage: The energy stored in a capacitor is proportional to the

square of the voltage (E = 1/2 × C × V²). A higher capacitance allows more energy storage
at a given voltage.

• Capacitance and Current: The current flowing through a capacitor is directly

proportional to the capacitance and the rate of change of voltage. A higher capacitance
results in a larger current for the same rate of voltage change.

• Voltage and Current: The current flow in a capacitor is directly proportional to

the rate of change of voltage. A rapid voltage change results in a larger current flow.

DIELECTRICS

In many capacitors there is an insulating material such as paper or plastic between the
plates. Such material, called a dielectric, can be used to maintain a physical separation of
the plates. Since dielectrics break down less readily than air, charge leakage can be
minimized, especially when high voltage is applied. Experimentally it was found that
capacitance C increases when the space between the conductors is filled with dielectrics.
To see how this happens, suppose a capacitor has a capacitance when there is no material
between the plates. When a dielectric material is inserted to completely fill the space
between the plates, the capacitance increases to

C0 C = κ eC0
Where is called the dielectric constant. In the Table below, we show some dielectric
materials with their dielectric constant. Experiments indicate that all dielectric materials
have . Note that every dielectric material has a characteristic dielectric strength which is
the maximum value of electric field before breakdown occurs and charges begin to flow.
κe 1 κ e > Material κ e Dielectric strength ( ) 6 10 V / m Air 1.00059 3 Paper 3.7 16 Glass
4−6 9 Water 80 − The fact that capacitance increases in the presence of a dielectric can be
explained from a molecular point of view. We shall show that κ e is a measure of the
dielectric response to an external electric field. There are two types of

dielectrics. The first type is polar dielectrics, which are dielectrics that have permanent
electric dipole moments. An example of this type of dielectric is water.

A dielectric material is a non-metallic substance having a high specific resistance, a

negative temperature coefficient of resistance and a high insulating resistance. Another
definition of dielectric material is a non-conducting substance that holds electrical charges.

Dielectric characteristics

When a dielectric is placed in an electric field, the electric charges do not flow through the
material. Electric charges slightly shift from their average equilibrium positions, causing
dielectric polarisation.

Dielectric polarisation causes positive charges to flow in the direction of the field and
negative charges to shift in the opposite direction of the field. This phenomenon yields an
internal electric field, which in turn reduces the overall electric field within the dielectric
material.
Electric susceptibility gives the measure of how easily a dielectric material can be polarized
when placed in an electric field.

Above figure explains the polarisation of dielectric molecules when the electric field is
applied.
Dielectric materials are mostly solids. The dielectrics are mostly solids. Some of the
dielectrics are composed of weakly bonded molecules. In such scenarios, along with
polarisation, we can also observe that molecules reorient themselves to align their
symmetry axes with the field.

Dielectric materials are used to store energy. These materials exist in solid, liquid and
gaseous forms. Some examples of dielectric materials are:

• Solid Dielectrics – Ceramic, Plastic, Mica, and Glass.

• Dielectric Liquid – Distilled Water.
• Dielectric Gas – Dry Air, vacuum, nitrogen and helium.

Properties of Dielectric Material

Following are the exhibits of dielectric materials:

• The energy gap in the dielectric materials is very large.

• The temperature coefficient of resistance is negative and the insulation resistance
is high.
• The dielectric materials have high resistivity.
• The attraction between the electrons and the parent nucleus is very strong.
• The electrical conductivity of these materials is very low as there are no free
electrons to carry current.

What are Dielectric Properties?

Dielectric properties of materials are defined as a molecular property that is fundamental
in all the materials that are capable of impending electron movement, resulting in
polarisation within the material on exposure to an external electric field.

What Are Dielectric Properties of Insulation?

Following are the dielectric properties of insulation:
• Breakdown voltage
• Dielectric parameters such as:
• Conductivity
• Power factor
• Loss angle

• Permittivity

What Are Dielectric Properties of Solids?

Following are the dielectric properties of solids:

• Piezoelectricity
• Pyroelectricity
• Ferroelectricity
• Anti ferroelectricity

What Are Dielectric Properties of Food?

Following are the dielectric properties that influence the food:

• Frequency of microwave or the radio frequencies

• Amount of water present in food
• Temperature
• The density of the material
• Composition and structure of the material

Difference between Dielectric and Insulators

Dielectrics are often confused with insulators. The term “insulator” typically implies low
electrical conductivity. However, the term dielectric is typically used to denote the material
with superior polarisability. It is expressed numerically using relative permittivity.
Insulator indicates electrical obstruction whereas dielectric indicates the ability of a
material to store energy(by means of polarisation). The common example is a capacitor.
Here, a dielectric insulating plate is sandwiched between metallic plates. For a given
electric field strength, the capacitor’s surface charge is raised by polarising the dielectric
plate. Let us learn more differences between dielectrics and insulators in the table given
below:

Dielectric vs Insulators

Dielectrics Insulators
Material that can develop an electric field with minimal loss of energy is A substance
that has low conductivity and that which obstructs the flow of current is

known as a dielectric. known as an insulator.

Weakly bonded as compared to insulators. Covalently bonded.
Store charges. Obstructs charges.
Their application lies in power cables, capacitors and more. They are used in high voltage
systems and conducting wires.

Application of Dielectric Properties

• Dielectrics are used as a capacitor for storing energy.

• The dielectric material in a transformer is used as an insulator and as a cooling
agent.
• To enhance the performance of a semiconductor device, high permittivity dielectric
materials are used.
• Electrets are a processed dielectric material that acts as an electrostatic equivalent
to magnets.

In today's electrical environment, capacitors are crucial parts. They aid in the efficient
operation of electronics by storing and releasing energy. Knowing the fundamentals of
capacitors, from their different varieties to their uses in series and parallel circuits, helps
us make sense of the technology that surrounds us. The next time you use an electronic
equipment, keep in mind the little capacitors and their role in the background that makes
everything possible.