1. What is Capacitance?

Definition: Capacitance is the ability of a system to store electric charge per unit voltage.

Purpose: This calculator determines the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor based on its physical characteristics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Capacitance (farads)
• \( \epsilon \) — Permittivity of dielectric (farads/meter)
• \( A \) — Area of one plate (square meters)
• \( d \) — Separation between plates (meters)

Explanation: Capacitance increases with larger plate area and higher permittivity, and decreases with greater plate separation.

3. Importance of Capacitance Calculation

Details: Accurate capacitance calculation is essential for designing circuits, filters, energy storage systems, and timing devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Default permittivity is for vacuum (8.854 ×10⁻¹² F/m)
• For other materials, multiply by relative permittivity (κ)
• Plate area and separation must be in meters

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is permittivity?
A: Permittivity measures how much electric field is reduced by the dielectric material between plates.

Q2: How does plate area affect capacitance?
A: Larger plate area increases capacitance proportionally as more charge can be stored.

Q3: Why does smaller separation increase capacitance?
A: Closer plates create stronger electric fields, allowing more charge storage at the same voltage.

Q4: What are typical capacitor values?
A: Most practical capacitors range from picofarads (pF) to millifarads (mF).

Q5: How do I calculate capacitance for other geometries?
A: Different formulas exist for cylindrical and spherical capacitors.