CLICK HERE FOR INDEX PAGE
 
WHAT ARE CAPACITORS? REVISION CARDS
 
V. Ryan © 2013
 
PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE WORKSHEET
 

INTRODUCTION - CAPACITORS


By V.Ryan

Capacitors are components that are used to store an electrical charge. They are often used in timer circuits. A capacitor may be used with a resistor to produce a timer. Timers are found in a large range of electronic devices

Sometimes capacitors are used to smooth the current in a circuit, as they can prevent false triggering of other components such as relays.

 

ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS

By V.Ryan

Electrolytic capacitors are ‘polarised’, which means they have a positive and negative lead and must be positioned in a circuit the right way round (the positive lead must go to the positive side of the circuit).

They have a much higher capacitance than non-electrolytic capacitors.


 
 
 

CERAMIC CAPACITORS

By V.Ryan

Non-electrolytic capacitors usually have a low capacitance compared to electrolytic capacitors.

They are not polarised (do not have a positive and negative lead) and can be placed anyway round in a circuit.

They are normally used to smooth the current (flow of electricity) in a circuit, so that the circuit works without faults occurring.

  By V.Ryan
     
 
 
QUESTIONS
 
1. In general, why are capacitors often found in circuits.?       3 marks
 
 
 
 
2. How do electrolytic and ceramic capacitors differ ?           4 marks
 
 
 
 
 
 
CLICK HERE FOR ELECTRONICS INDEX PAGE
 
Google
 
Web www.technologystudent.com