Parallel-Plate Capacitors

The capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor (or condenser) is given in SI units by C=(Subscript[ϵ, 0])(Subscript[κ, e])A/d, where A is the area of each plate, d is the spacing between plates, (Subscript[κ, e]) is  the dielectric constant (relative permittivity), and (Subscript[ϵ, 0]) is the permittivity of free space, 8.85×(10^(-12)) farad/meter. If A is expressed in (m^2) and d in mm, then C=8.85×(10^(-3))(Subscript[κ, e])A/d microfarads (μF). Capacitance determines the quantity of positive and negative charges Q that can be held on the plates by a voltage V, such that C=Q/V. In an air-gap capacitor, in which there is no dielectric layer, (Subscript[κ, e])≈1.

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Contributed by: S. M. Blinder

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