Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 1

Chapter 12. capacitor

power > moderation > capacitor

Quite often referred to as a cap. Formerly known (primarily in the United Kingdom) as a condenser, but that term has become obsolete.

Other related components

• variable capacitor (See Chapter 13)
• battery (See Chapter 2)

What It Does

A capacitor connected across a DC power source will accumulate a charge, which then persists after the source is disconnected. In this way, the capacitor stores (and can then discharge) energy like a small rechargeable battery. The charge/discharge rate is extremely fast but can be limited by a series resistor, which enables the capacitor to be used as a timing component in many electronic circuits.

A capacitor can also be used to block DC current while it passes pulses, ...