gradeup
Unit 4: Electric Circuits

Capacitors

A capacitor stores electric charge and energy, with capacitance depending on its geometry; capacitors in circuits charge and discharge exponentially over time.

Overview

Q = CV relates charge, capacitance, and voltage. Energy stored: U = ½CV². In a charging RC circuit, voltage across the capacitor approaches its max value exponentially, never instantaneously.

Practice Quiz

Question 1 of 1Score so far: 0/0

A capacitor's voltage is doubled. What happens to the energy stored (U = ½CV²)?