A capacitor is an electronic component that stores energy in an electric field between two charged metal plates separated by an insulator. The capacitance of a capacitor depends on the area of the metal plates, the type of metal used, and the thickness and material of the dielectric insulator. Capacitance is typically measured in microfarads or picofarads since farads are too large a unit, and capacitor values are read with the first two digits indicating the value and the third digit representing the multiplier of zeros.

1. Capacitors

2. What is a capacitor?
• An electronic component that stores energy in an electric field
• Made of 2 differentially charged metals separated by an insulator

3. What determines capacitance?
• Area of metal plates
• Type of metal
• Type and thickness of dielectric (insulator) material

10. Reading capacitor values
• 1st digit = value
• 2nd digit = value
• 3rd digit = multiplier (how many zeros)

11. What units is capacitance measured in?
not ferrets
microferrets
or picoferrets

12. What units is capacitance measured in?
• Farads are usually too large
• Usually measured in microfarads or picofarads

15. Reading capacitor values
• 1st digit = value
• 2nd digit = value
• 3rd digit = multiplier (how many zeros)
• Letters may indicate maximum voltage rating
• Letters may indicate capacitive (and temperature) tolerances
• No Uniform marking system like resistors have.

16. Capacitor Schematic Symbols