Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept of capacitance and its role in electrical circuits.
• Learn how capacitors store and release electrical energy.
• Apply mathematical formulas to calculate capacitance, charge, and energy.

Language Goals

• Familiarize with scientific terms related to capacitance.
• Practice explaining how capacitors work in English.
• Improve comprehension of scientific texts about capacitors and electrical circuits.

Terminology

Glossary

Capacitance: The ability of a system to store charge per unit potential difference.

Capacitor: A device used to store electrical energy in an electric field.

Charge: The property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electric field.

Potential Difference: The work done per unit charge to move a charge between two points in an electric field.

Theory

Capacitance is the measure of a capacitor’s ability to store charge. The formula for capacitance is:

C = Q/V

Where:

• *C* is the capacitance in farads (F),
• *Q* is the charge stored in coulombs (C),
• *V* is the potential difference across the capacitor in volts (V).

A capacitor consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a *dielectric*. When a voltage is applied, an electric field (-field-өріс) develops across the plates, causing one plate to accumulate positive charge and the other negative charge.

Exercises on Memorization

1. Define «capacitance» in your own words.
2. Explain how the potential difference affects the charge stored in a capacitor.
3. Match the following terms with their definitions:
   • Capacitance
   • Charge
   • Potential Difference
   • Electric Field

Video Tutorial

Examples

Example: A capacitor has a capacitance of 10 µF and a potential difference of 5 V across it. Calculate the charge stored.

Investigation Task

Use the simulation below to explore the relationship between capacitance, voltage, and charge:

Collaborative Activity

In pairs or groups, design a circuit that uses capacitors to smooth out voltage fluctuations. Present your design and explain how the capacitors function in the circuit.

Additional Resources

Visit Save My Exams for more practice questions and resources on capacitance.

Reflection

Reflect on today’s lesson by answering the following:

• What is one key concept you learned about capacitance?
• What challenges did you face in understanding capacitors?
• How can capacitors be applied in real-world technologies?