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A capacitor is an electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy in a circuit. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric.
When a voltage is applied across the plates of a capacitor, electric charge accumulates on the plates, creating an electric field between them. This stored energy can be released back into the circuit when needed.
Capacitors have several functions in a circuit, including storing electric charge, filtering out unwanted frequencies, and stabilizing voltage levels. They can also be used to create a time delay or to block direct current (DC) while allowing alternating current (AC) to pass through.
The capacitance of a capacitor is measured in Farads (F), and it is a measure of how much charge the capacitor can hold at a given voltage. Common units for capacitance include microfarads (μF), nanofarads (nF), and picofarads (pF).
There are several types of capacitors, with the most common being ceramic, electrolytic, and film capacitors. Ceramic capacitors are small and inexpensive, while electrolytic capacitors have a higher capacitance but are larger and more expensive. Film capacitors are used for high-frequency applications and can handle higher voltages.