1. Capacitors Circuit symbol + -

2. Experiment: To find how the charge on a capacitor varies with potential difference across it. Potential difference across capacitor (V) Charge, Q (C) Small capacitance Large capacitance Charge is directly proportional to potential difference. Q = constant x V Q = CV where C is the capacitance of the capacitor C = Q ÷ V or the gradient of the graph

3. C = Q V 1 farad (F) equals 1 coulomb (C) per volt (V) Careful as C is for coulombs and capacitance 1 Farad is a very large unit so smaller units are often used. µF micro farad x10 -6 nF nano farad x10 -9 pF Pico farad x10 -12

4. Potential difference across capacitor (V) Charge (C) Energy stored in the capacitor equals the are under the QV graph = ½QV As E = ½ QV and Q = CV show that:- E = ½CV 2 and E = ½ Q 2 C Tutorial Questions p67 Qu 7 to 14

5. How a capacitor charges and discharges click hereclick here V t Large capacitance V t Large resistance Max I Current / A 60 Time / s Large capacitance Max I Current / A 60 Time / s Max I Large resistance Max V is supply voltage Max I = V ÷ R

6. Charging and discharging a capacitor

7. A capacitor – Current and and A.C. frequency Current Current is directly proportional to frequency

8. A resistor – Current and and A.C. frequency Current Current is not dependant on frequency

9. Uses of a capacitor This capacitor passes AC signals but blocks DC signals. Used between the stages of an audio system to pass on the audio signal (AC) without any steady voltage (DC) which may be present. 1. 2. This capacitor blocks AC and lets DC through. Used in audio systems to remove high frequency hiss.

10. 3. Camera flash 4. To smooth a voltage which rectifies (changes) AC to DC Tutorial Questions 15 to 23 and SAQs to page28 Neon bulb