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Capacitor for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: kə'pæsɪtər

What does Capacitor really mean?

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Hey there! So, a capacitor is kind of like a little energy storage device. Imagine it like a tiny, but really good, battery. It's able to store electrical energy and then release it when it's needed. Just like a battery can store energy and then give it to a device when you use it, a capacitor does the same thing in a different way.

This little guy has two metal plates separated by an insulating material. When you connect it to a power source, one plate gets a bunch of positive energy, and the other one gets a bunch of negative energy. The insulating material keeps them from touching each other, which is really important. It's like having two magnets with the same poles facing each other - they really want to connect, but the insulating material keeps them apart.

When you need some power, the capacitor releases the energy it's holding. It's like a water balloon popping and letting all the water out. The energy moves from one plate to the other, and it can power something like a light bulb or a motor. It's really helpful in lots of electronic devices because it can give a quick burst of power when it's needed.

Another way to think about it is like a water tank. When it's connected to a water source, it fills up with water. Then, when you need water, you can open a valve and the tank releases it. The capacitor is kind of like that, but with electrical energy instead of water. So, think of it as a little energy storage unit that can give energy when things need it. And that's what a capacitor is! Cool, right?

Revised and Fact checked by Michael Johnson on 2023-11-13 19:00:00

Capacitor In a sentece

Learn how to use Capacitor inside a sentece

  • A capacitor is like a small battery that can store electrical energy and release it when needed, like in a camera flash.
  • In a car, a capacitor can help provide extra power to the stereo system when the engine is off.
  • A capacitor in a computer can help stabilize the voltage and keep the computer running smoothly.
  • In a flashlight, a capacitor can store energy from the battery and release it quickly to produce a bright light.
  • A defibrillator uses a capacitor to store energy and release it in a controlled way to restart a person's heart.

Capacitor Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Capacitor Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Capacitor Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.

Capacitor Holonyms

The larger whole to which this word belongs.