Capacitor Calculator
Parallel Total
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Series Total
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Time Constant
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Stored Energy
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Series and Parallel Capacitor Calculations
Parallel: C_total = C1 + C2 + C3. Series: 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3. Opposite of resistor combinations.
RC time constant tau = R x C. After 5 tau, capacitor is 99.3% charged. Fundamental to filters and timing circuits.
Energy stored: E = 0.5 x C x V squared. A 100uF cap at 5V stores 1.25 millijoules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capacitors vs batteries?
Capacitors store energy in an electric field and discharge quickly. Batteries store chemically and discharge slowly.
What is RC time constant?
tau = R x C. Time to charge to 63.2% through a resistor. After 5 tau, 99.3% charged.
Why less capacitance in series?
Series increases effective plate separation, reducing capacitance. Charge is the same on each but voltage splits.
Types of capacitors?
Ceramic (small, stable), Electrolytic (large, polarized), Film (accurate), Tantalum (compact, polarized).