What is a capacitor?

Many people have heard the word "condenser". Our article will tell about what a capacitor is.

Condenser is a system that consists oftwo or more electrodes, which are separated by a dielectric. The thickness of the dielectric is small in comparison with the dimensions of the capacitor plates. This system has a mutual capacity and can maintain an electric charge.

Capacitor characteristics

1. Electrical capacity (nominal capacity). It determines the charge of the capacitor, depending on the voltage on its plates. It is measured in Farad (F).
2. Specific capacity. This is the ratio of the capacitance to the mass or volume of the dielectric. The greatest value of the specific capacity can be achieved with the smallest thickness of the dielectric.
3. The nominal voltage of the capacitors isvalue of voltage, which is indicated on the capacitor. With it, it will work for the entire lifetime while preserving the parameters within acceptable limits. This voltage depends on the properties of the materials used and the design of the capacitor. During operation, this voltage must not exceed the rated voltage. For many capacitors, the nominal voltage decreases with increasing temperature.
4. The polarity of capacitors. It is needed for electrolytic capacitors (with an oxide dielectric). They work exclusively with the correct voltage polarity due to chemical interactions of the dielectric with the electrolyte. With reverse polarity, such capacitors simply fail, because the dielectric breaks down. In this case, the electrolyte effervesces inside and the body can explode.

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Now you know what a capacitor is!