Meaning & use
capacitor
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountabletechnical
An electronic part that stores electrical energy and releases it when needed.
Grammar: Countable noun; plural is capacitors. Often used with 'a' or 'the' in descriptions of circuits.
Patterns
- a capacitor stores something
- a capacitor in something
- charge/discharge a capacitor
The capacitor in this circuit helps smooth the power supply.
You must discharge the capacitor before touching the board.
A capacitor can store energy and release it in a quick burst.
Word forms
| plural | capacitors |
|---|
Common combinations
- electrolytic capacitor
- The old radio needs a new electrolytic capacitor.
- capacitor bank
- The factory installed a capacitor bank to improve power quality.
- charge a capacitor
- It takes time to charge a capacitor fully.
- capacitor discharge
- The capacitor discharge can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Synonyms and how they differ
- condenser
- Condenser is an older term for a capacitor, still used in some contexts like automotive ignition systems, but capacitor is the standard modern term.
Word family
- capacitance noun
- The ability of a system to store electric charge, measured in farads.
- capacitive adjective
- Relating to capacitance or capacitors.
Commonly confused: capacitor or resistor? capacitor or transistor?
capacitor vs resistor
A resistor limits the flow of current, while a capacitor stores and releases energy. They are different components, though both appear in circuits.
capacitor vs transistor
A transistor amplifies or switches signals, whereas a capacitor stores energy. They are not interchangeable.
Practice
In a camera flash, a ______ stores energy and then releases it quickly to create a bright flash.
Choose one answer.
A capacitor is designed to store and release energy rapidly, which is exactly what a flash needs. A resistor limits current, a transistor amplifies or switches, and a battery provides steady power but cannot release a quick burst as efficiently.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “capacitor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.