The energy stored in a capacitor depends primarily on two factors: capacitance and voltage.
Capacitance
Capacitance is a measure of a capacitor's ability to store an electrical charge. It is measured in Farads (F).
- Higher capacitance means the capacitor can store more charge at a given voltage, resulting in higher stored energy.
Voltage
Voltage is the electrical potential difference across the capacitor's plates.
- Higher voltage means a greater electrical potential difference, leading to more energy stored in the capacitor.
Formula for Energy Stored in a Capacitor
The relationship between capacitance, voltage, and energy stored in a capacitor is expressed by the following formula:
Energy (E) = 1/2 Capacitance (C) Voltage^2 (V^2)
Practical Insights
- Choosing the right capacitor: When selecting a capacitor for a specific application, consider the required energy storage capacity. This will influence the choice of capacitance and voltage rating.
- Energy density: Capacitors with higher capacitance values and higher voltage ratings can store more energy per unit volume, which is known as energy density.
