Capacitance and Dielectric

Electric field is built up between charges. With this, a very important electronic

component was developed. When two parallel metal plates are given equal but opposite charges,

the system of conductors will store energy in the form of electric field. A small distance

separates the two plates allowing them to build up electric field between them. This system of

conductors that stores energy in the form of electric field is called a capacitor. Capacitors are

commonly used in microphones, defibrillator and flash bulb of cameras. The ratio of the charge

on either conductor of a capacitor to the potential difference between the conductors is called

capacitance, C, which is measured in farad.