⚡ Capacitor Calculator

Calculate capacitance, charge, voltage, and energy

📏 Input Parameters

Capacitance (µF)

Voltage (V)

📊 Results

Charge (Q)

1200 µC

Energy (E)

7.2 mJ

📚 Understanding Capacitors

What is a Capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material (dielectric).

Formulas

Charge: Q = C × V

Energy: E = ½ × C × V²

Q: Charge stored (Coulombs or µC)
C: Capacitance (Farads or µF)
V: Voltage across capacitor
E: Energy stored (Joules or mJ)

Common Applications

Filtering: Smoothing power supply ripple
Coupling: Passing AC signals while blocking DC
Timing: RC circuits for delays and oscillators
Energy Storage: Flash photography, power backup
Decoupling: Reducing noise in digital circuits

Capacitor Types

Ceramic: Small, cheap, good for high frequencies
Electrolytic: High capacitance, polarized, for power supplies
Film: Stable, low loss, for audio and precision circuits
Tantalum: Compact, stable, expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

What does capacitance measure?

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Capacitance measures a capacitor's ability to store electrical charge. It's measured in Farads (F), with common values in microfarads (µF), nanofarads (nF), or picofarads (pF).

Can I use a higher voltage rating?

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Yes, always use a capacitor with a voltage rating higher than your circuit voltage. A good rule is to use at least 1.5-2x the maximum voltage for reliability and longevity.

What happens if I exceed the voltage rating?

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Exceeding the voltage rating can cause the dielectric to break down, leading to capacitor failure, short circuits, or even explosion in electrolytic capacitors. Always respect voltage ratings.