1. What is Energy in a Capacitor?

Definition: This calculator computes the energy stored in a capacitor based on its capacitance and the voltage applied.

Purpose: It helps electronics engineers, students, and hobbyists determine how much energy a capacitor can store for circuit design and analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Energy stored (joules)
• \( C \) — Capacitance (farads)
• \( V \) — Voltage across the capacitor (volts)

Explanation: The energy stored is proportional to the capacitance and the square of the voltage applied.

3. Importance of Capacitor Energy Calculation

Details: Understanding stored energy helps in designing power systems, timing circuits, and ensuring safety with high-energy capacitors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the capacitance in farads (can use scientific notation like 1e-6 for µF) and voltage in volts. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a 1/2 in the formula?
A: The factor comes from integrating the power over time as the capacitor charges - the average voltage during charging is half the final voltage.

Q2: What's a typical capacitance value?
A: Common values range from picofarads (pF) to farads (F) for supercapacitors. 1 µF = 1×10⁻⁶ F.

Q3: Does the energy depend on the capacitor type?
A: The formula applies to all capacitor types, but practical energy storage depends on the capacitor's maximum voltage rating.

Q4: How is this energy released?
A: When the capacitor discharges through a circuit, the stored energy is converted to work (e.g., powering a flash bulb).

Q5: Can I calculate the voltage if I know the energy?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the formula: \( V = \sqrt{\frac{2E}{C}} \).