Capacitance is given by the formula $C = \frac{Q}{V}$, where $C$ is capacitance, $Q$ is charge, and $V$ is voltage.
The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor depends on the area of the plates and the distance between them, given by $C = \varepsilon_0 \frac{A}{d}$.
$\varepsilon_0$ (epsilon naught) represents the permittivity of free space with a value of approximately $8.85 \times 10^{-12} \text{F/m}$.
Dielectric materials placed between capacitor plates increase capacitance by reducing the electric field strength for a given amount of charge.
In series connections, the inverse total capacitance is the sum of inverse individual capacitances: $\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{1}{C_i}$.
Review Questions
What is the formula for calculating capacitance?
How does inserting a dielectric material between capacitor plates affect its capacitance?
Explain how to calculate total capacitance for capacitors connected in series.
Related terms
Farad: The unit of measurement for capacitance. One farad equals one coulomb per volt.
Dielectric: An insulating material placed between capacitor plates that increases its overall capacitance.
Permittivity: \(\varepsilon\) A measure of how easily a material can become polarized by an electric field, affecting capacitance.