Home
Back
Energy Formula:
| From: | To: |
The energy formula calculates the energy stored in a capacitor based on its capacitance and the voltage applied. This is important in electronics and electrical engineering for determining how much energy a capacitor can store and release.
The calculator uses the energy formula:
Where:
Explanation: The energy stored in a capacitor is proportional to the square of the voltage across it and directly proportional to its capacitance.
Details: Calculating energy stored in capacitors is crucial for designing electronic circuits, power supply systems, and energy storage applications. It helps engineers determine appropriate capacitor sizes and safety considerations.
Tips: Enter capacitance in farads and voltage in volts. Both values must be positive numbers. Note that 1 farad is a very large capacitance, so values are typically expressed in microfarads (μF) or smaller units.
Q1: Why is the formula divided by 2?
A: The energy stored in a capacitor follows a quadratic relationship with voltage. The division by 2 comes from integrating the power over time as the capacitor charges.
Q2: What are typical capacitance values?
A: Capacitance values range from picofarads (pF, 10⁻¹² F) to farads (F), with supercapacitors reaching several thousand farads.
Q3: How does voltage affect energy storage?
A: Energy increases with the square of voltage, making higher voltage systems much more energy-dense than lower voltage systems with the same capacitance.
Q4: Can this formula be used for all capacitor types?
A: Yes, this formula applies to all ideal capacitors, though real-world capacitors may have some energy loss due to internal resistance.
Q5: What safety considerations are important?
A: Capacitors can store dangerous amounts of energy. Always discharge capacitors before handling, especially high-voltage or high-capacitance units.