Introduction
Capacitors are one the most widely used electronic components in the world. They have complex applications but their working principle remains simple. Capacitors are commonly cylindrical in shape (The modern surface mounted capacitors are unidentifiable as they are very tiny). They are used for electronic delays, filters and sensors. Their applications are wide spread from a LED flasher to a modern day computer.
Our Capacitive circuit will be including only a 9V battery and it is completely safe. It is recommended that you also refer to Basic Safety and Introduction for Young Engineers for more detailed understanding of Safety Requirements.
Components Required
- 1 x 100uF Capacitor
- 1 x LED
- 1 x Breadboard
- 1 x 1K Ohm Resistor (Red, Black, Brown)
- 1 x 9V Volt
- Jumper Cables
You can find these components at your nearest radio shack or an online store.
How does a Capacitor Work?
A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electric charge and energy. It consists of two metal plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. When a voltage is applied to the plates, one plate accumulates positive charge while the other accumulates negative charge. The dielectric material between the plates prevents the charges from flowing and allows the capacitor to store electric charge and energy.
Working of the Circuit
The capacitor in the activity is connected across the battery terminals. The capacitor will get charged and will store a finite amount of charge inside it. Once the Power Supply, 9V battery is plugged out of the breadboard. The LED will remain ON for a fraction of a second.
Circuit Diagram
Applications of a Capacitor
Capacitors are used in electronic circuits for a variety of purposes, including filtering, timing, and voltage regulation. Here are some of the ways in which capacitors are commonly used in electronic circuits:
AC coupling : Capacitors are used to Block DC Voltage and allow on AC voltage to pass through.
Timing : Capacitors are used to make oscillating circuits. Like making two LED blink alternately without coding.
Filtering : This is an application for removing noise from our speakers. If you ever hear a screeching sound from the speakers, it just means DC voltage has got in from some input. Try to fix a filter of the Audio Device.
Voltage Regulations : Capacitors can be used to stabilize voltage in power supplies. For example, a capacitor can be placed in parallel with a voltage regulator to reduce noise and improve stability.
Conclusion
The capacitors are used for storing charge. But storing charge has a lot of applications in the electronic industry. They are used for a variety of purposes, from filtering to voltage regulation. Understanding how to use capacitors in electronic circuits is crucial for anyone interested in electronics. With a little creativity, you can use capacitors to design and build your own electronic circuits.
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