What is an electrical capacitor?
A capacitor is an electronic component that stores energy in a field created by the accumulation of electrical charge. Its properties are used in circuits in a variety of ways.ConstructionCapacitors are composed of two conductive plates in close proximity but separated by dielectric material. The dielectric material allows the plates to collect electrical charges of opposite polarity.PropertiesThe dielectric barrier blocks direct current (DC) but allows alternating current (AC) through. The instantaneous application of a DC voltage results in a current that falls exponentially over time. The magnitude and phase of AC current depends on the frequency of the applied signal.TypesMany different types of capacitors produce different ranges of capacitance. Their characteristics depend mostly on their dielectrics, which include tantalum, electrolytic fluid, ceramic, plastic films and mica.UsesCapacitors block DC while allowing AC signals to pass, and they conduct noise and high-frequency sign
