Capacitors
We’re going to take a close look at a new type of component this chapter: the capacitor. We shall see how capacitors function, firstly in practical experiments which you can do for yourself and then, secondly with a bit of theory (boring, boring, boring! — Who said that?) which will show you a few things that can’t easily be demonstrated in experiments.
So, let’s get started. What exactly makes up a capacitor? Well, there’s an easy answer: a capacitor is made up from two electrically conductive plates, separated from each other by a sandwiched layer of insulating material. Figure 4.1 gives you a rough idea.
Figure 4.1 A simple diagrammatic representation of a capacitor
However, this is an oversimplification really; there are many, many different types of capacitor and, although their basic make-up is of two insulated plates they are not always made in quite this simple form. Nevertheless, the concept is one to be going along with.
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