EE 303 Electrical Circuits 2: Laboratory Experiment No.

CAPACITANCE AND CAPACITORS

Benitez, Karl S., Dela Cruz, Jose Carlo V., Kalaw, Charlie ., Maalihan, Karla Clarisse B.,
Yuzon, Mae Ann Hazel D.

benitezkarl3@gmail.com, thiefdark006@gmail.com, charliegalbo@yahoo.com

karlaclarissemaalihan27@yahoo.com, yuzonh@yahoo.com

Abstract-This experiment point of convergence is to give its reader knowledge about

capacitors and capacitance. The researchers of this case experimentally test the
operation of the capacitors in different functions and to determine the relationship
between the voltage and current in a capacitor. Through this experiment the researchers
consummate their objectives and experience that in a capacitor, current doesnt flow and
for the current able to flow its voltage must change.

Keywords-capacitor, capacitance, current, voltage

 when the supply voltage is from an AC
INTRODUCTION source it charges and discharges
continuously .The rate of charging and
The aim of this is experiment is to discharging depends on the frequency of
introduce the operations of a capacitor the source.[1]
using the circuit trainer, to measure the
voltage and current in the capacitor using Capacitors can be used to block
a multimeter and determine the DC current while passing audio signals,
relationship between them. pulses, or alternating current, or other
time varying wave forms. This ability to
Capacitor is also known block DC currents enables capacitors to
as condenser. This is one of the passive be used to smooth the output voltages of
components like resistor. Capacitor is power supplies, to remove unwanted
generally used to store the charge. In spikes from signals that would otherwise
capacitor the charge is stored in the form tend to cause damage or false triggering
of electrical field. Capacitors play a major of semiconductors or digital
role in many electrical and electronic components. Capacitors can also be
circuits. Generally, a capacitor has two used to adjust the frequency response of
parallel metal plates which are not an audio circuit, or to couple together
connected to each other. The two plates separate amplifier stages that must be
in the capacitor are separated by non protected from the transmission of DC
conducting medium. This medium is current. At DC a capacitor has infinite
commonly known as dielectric. There are impedance (open -circuit), at very high
different types and different shapes of frequencies a capacitor has zero
capacitors available, from very small impedance (short-circuit). All capacitors
capacitors which are used in resonance have a maximum working voltage rating,
circuits to large capacitors for stabilizing its WV DC so select a capacitor with a
HVDC lines. But all capacitors are doing rating at least 50% more than the supply
the same work that is storing the voltage.
electrical charge. The shape of a
Capacitance is the electrical
property of a capacitor and is the
measure of a capacitors ability to store an
Capacitor is rectangular, square, circular, electrical charge onto its two plates with
cylindrical or spherical shape. Unlike a the unit of capacitance being
resistor, an ideal capacitor does not the Farad (abbreviated to F) named after
dissipate energy. Capacitor consists of the British physicist Michael Faraday.
two conductor separated by a dielectric,
when there is any potential difference Capacitance is defined as the ratio of
between the two conductors electric charge (Q) on the either plates to the
potential is developed. This causes the potential difference(V) between them ,
capacitor to charge and discharge.
C =Q/V, equation 1
When the capacitor is connected to a DC
source like a battery, current starts Thus current can be obtained as
flowing through the circuit. Thus negative
charge is accumulated on one plate and I(t)=C[d(v)/d(t)] equation 2
positive charge is accumulated on the
other plate. This process continuous until Capacitance is defined as being
the capacitor voltage reaches supply that a capacitor has the capacitance
voltage. When the charging voltage is of one Farad when a charge of one
equal to the supply voltage capacitor coulomb is stored on the plates by a
stops charging further even though the voltage of one volt. Capacitance, C is
battery is connected. When the battery is always positive and has no negative
removed two plates will be accumulated units. However, the Farad is a very large
with positive and negative charges. Thus unit of measurement to use on its own so
the charge is stored in the capacitor. But sub-multiples of the Farad are generally
used such as micro-farads, nano-farads of material. Amber becomes electrified
and pico-farads.[2] by triboelectric effect, that is, mechanical
separation, of charge in a dielectric. In
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY fact, the Greek word for amber is
Elektron and thus the word electricity
To experimentally test the was born.
operation of a capacitor as a dc
blocking device. For approximately next 2300
To use a capacitor as an energy years, wherever a study about electricity
store occurred, somebody took two different
To study the relationship between materials and rubbed them together to
voltage and current in a capacitor create separate fields of positive and
negative charges. Around the year 1650
AD, Otto von Guericke constructed a
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE crude electrostatic generator; it was a
sulfur ball and turned the shaft quickly, he
Invention History: noticed a static electric charge building
up. This experiment did not fail to inspire
Capacitors are a great example to the development of several forms of
prove the fact that even the simplest of friction devices that enormously helps in
devices can become complex over the the study of electricity.
years; in case of capacitors, it is nothing
more than an insulator between two A capacitor is a device for
conductors and it has become pretty temporarily storing electric charge. What
complex in this 250 years of technical is considered to be the very first capacitor
evolution. was called the Leyden jar, which was
invented by Pieter van Musschenbroek in
Almost all of us are familiar with 1746 at the University of Leyden (Leiden)
the static electric charge that is in Holland. It was a glass jar wrapped
generated by friction a phenomenon inside and out by a thin metal foil. The
known as triboelectricity. When you walk outer foil was connected to the ground,
on a carpeted floor, pull a transparent and inner foil was connected to a source
tape off a role, or comb your hair on a dry of electricity such as an electrostatic
day, have you noticed that it all results in generator. Although how it works was not
the separation of a little amount of understood at the time, experimenters
positive and negative charge? discovered that the Leyden jar seemed to
store an electric charge even after it was
This static electricity was disconnected from the generator. Like
discovered about more than two many early electrical devices, there was
millenniums earlier; however, it was not no particular use for the Leyden jar at
until the mid-1700s that energy storage first, other than to allow scientists to do a
properties were discovered. greater variety of electrical experiments.
Benjamin Franklin, for example, used a
The Earliest Intervention Leyden jar to store electricity from
lightning in his famous kite flying
It is hard to believe the fact that the experiment in 1752. By doing so he
concept of capacitors dates back to the proved that lightning was really
sixth century BC. The ancient Greeks electricity.
had already known that pieces of amber
were capable of attracting light weight Capacitors such as a Leyden jar
particles after being rubbed. The earliest consist of layers made of an electrically
known written record of charging by conducting material (such as a metal foil)
friction dates back to the sixth century separated by layers of a non-conducting
BC; it was when the Greek scientist material (glass in the case of the Leyden
Thales of Mileus noticed this friction. jar, but it can also be wax, mica, oil,
When he rubbed amber with animal fur, it paper, tantalum, plastic, ceramic
acquired the ability to pick up small bits material, or even air). If an electrical
voltage is applied to the layers of a In 1745 the Leyden jar was
capacitor, the plates will become charge, competitively invented by Ewald Jurgen
one positively and one negatively. If the von Kleist -4 Nov 1745. Pieter van
externally applied voltage is then Musschenbroek produced the first
approved, the plates of the capacitor working example in Jan 1746, with the
remain charged, and the presence of the name coming from Leiden University. In
electric charge induces an electrical 1747 William Watson discharges a
potential between the plates. Todays Leyden jar through a circuit and
capacitors are used for a wide variety of comprehends electric current.
purposes in electric power systems, radio
receivers, computers and nearly other Units of Measurement
electrical device. They range in size from
the size of a refrigerator to the The unit of capacitance was
microscopic capacitors built into known as the Jar until 1872, when the
integrated circuits. The capacity of the SI unit of Farad was assigned. (Other
device for storing electric charge (called units were assigned at this time, volt,
its capacitance) can be changed by ampere, coulomb, ohm, and farad.) The
changing the area of the plates, by term capacitor only become popular
increasing or decreasing their around the 1950s, and prior to that it was
separation, or by using different kinds of known as a condenser.
materials for the non-conducting layers.
All practical realizations of the
Capacitors are often given names capacitor have some series resistance
to suit their applications eg: which together form the equivalent
circuit used in detailed circuit analysis.
By pass capacitors, to short The effect of this resistances is
circuit AC current, impulse noise. measured as the Loss Factor , and can
manifest itself as heating the component.
Condenser, the name used In a turned circuit, these resistances
for capacitors in circuits up to the 1950s. contribute to the Q (quality) factor.[3]

Tuning capacitors, also Capacitor Theory

Vacuum Variable types; to vary the
frequency of a tuned circuit. Any arrangement of two
conductors separated by an electric
Power Factor Correction, insulator (i.e., dielectric) is a capacitor.
used to reduce reactive currents in power An electric charge deposited on one of
distribution networks. the conductors induces an equal charge
of opposite polarity on the other
Whimhurst Machine, to conductor. As a result, an electric field
generate high voltage by maintaining a exists between the two conductor
constant electrical charge, but moving surfaces and there is a potential
the capacitor plates farther apart to difference between them. The electric
generate very high voltages (a square field anywhere between the conductor
law relationship). surfaces is directly proportional to the
magnitude of the charge Q on the
Radio antennas, can conductors. And the potential difference
exhibit capacitance (also inductance and V is also directly proportional to the
resistance) at certain frequencies. charge Q. The ratio Q/V is thus a
constant for any electric field distribution
Radio antennas for low as determined by the shape of the
frequencies often make use of a conductors, the distance of separation,
Capacitive Hat to achieve practical and the dielectric in which the field exists.
impedance matching to transmitters. The ratio Q/V is called the capacitance,
C, of a particular arrangement of
Inventors conductors and dielectric. Thus, C = Q/V,
where Q and V are in units of coulomb
and volt. C has the units farad (F). The A power supply is an electronic
simple theoretical expression for the device that supplies electric energy to an
capacitance value of a parallel plate electrical load. The primary function of a
capacitor is power supply is to convert one form of
electrical energy to another and, as a
result, power supplies are sometimes
referred to as electric power converters.
Some power supplies are discrete,
Equation 3 stand-alone devices, whereas others are
built into larger devices along with their
where A = plate area [m2 ] = cross section loads. Examples of the latter include
of electric field, d = distance between power supplies found in desktop
plates [m], o = permittivity of free space computers and consumer electronics
= 8.854 x 10-12 F/m and r = relative devices. [6]
permittivity of the dielectric between the
plates [dimension less].

This calculated value is based on

the assumption that the charge density
on the plates is uniformly distributed. In
practice there is always a concentration
of charge along the edges. This charge
concentration is at the sharp corners of
the plates. Thus for a given voltage, the
actual total charge is always greater than
the theoretical total charge.[4]

MATERIALS AND METHODS A multimeter or a multitester, also

known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter),
is an electronic measuring instrument that
In this experiment, we used three combines several measurement functions in
equipments which is the circuit trainer, one unit. A typical multimeter can
power supply and a multimeter and some measure voltage, current,
jumper pins. and resistance. Analog multimeters use
a microammeter with a moving pointer to
Electrical Circuits trainer is a self- display readings. Digital
contained trainer designed to introduce multimeters (DMM, DVOM) have a numeric
the concepts of electricity circuits and display, and may also show a graphical bar
electrical switching and control systems. representing the measured value. Digital
Permanently mounted components are multimeters are now far more common due
to their cost and precision, but analog
interconnected using full size banana
multimeters are still preferable in some
plugs. Experiments cover bell and buzzer cases, for example when monitoring a rapidly
circuits, switch and lamp circuits, relay varying value. [6]
and control circuits, motor circuits, alarm
and detection systems and calling A multimeter can be a hand-held device
useful for basic fault finding and field service
circuits. The student is introduced to the
work, or a bench instrument which can
components and systems associated measure to a very high degree of accuracy.
with electrical careers and They can be used to troubleshoot electrical
occupations. The exposure provides and problems in a wide array of industrial and
interesting and motivating experience in household devices such as electronic
the electrical field for a rapid manner of equipment, motor controls, domestic
presenting a wide variety of electrical appliances, power supplies, and wiring
circuits. [5] systems. [6]
 Adjust Vcc (variable power supply)
to +12V. Connect jumpers J3, J5,
J8, J12 and the voltmeter between
points 1-2, to produce the circuit of
figure E13.2

Check that the voltage across the

terminals of the capacitor is equal
to 12V

. Disconnect the jumper J12 and

then immediately connect J13
Jumper pins (points to be connected
by the jumper) are arranged in groups called Observe the behaviour of LED 1
jumper blocks, each group having at least
one pair of contact points. An appropriately Turn switch S4 ON
sized conductive sleeve called a jumper, or
more technically, a shunt jumper, is slipped Disconnect jumper J13 and
over the pins to complete the circuit.Jumpers connect jumper J12
must be electrically conducting; they are
usually encased in a non-conductive block of Wait until the voltage across
plastic for convenience. This also avoids the the capacitor C4 reaches 12V
risk that an unshielded jumper will
Disconnect jumper J12 and
accidentally short out something critical
(particularly if it is dropped on a live circuit). immediately connect J13
[6]
Observe the operation of LED
Procedure: 1 again

Functioning of a capacitor Turn switch S4 OFF

Set the multimeter to AC Voltage and current relationship in

a capacitor
Connect jumpers J1, J4, J7, J11,
the voltmeter between points 1-2 Check that capacitor C4 is
and the ammeter between points uncharged (zero voltage across it
3-4 to produce the circuit of figure ): if it isnt discharge it by short-
E13.1 circuiting the capacitor terminals
with a metal conductor
Measure the voltage V across the
capacitor and the current I flowing Connect jumpers J2, J4, J6, J12,
the voltmeter between points 1-2
Disconnect the jumpers and set and the ammeter between 3- 4 to
the instruments for DC produce the circuit.
measurements
While observing the ammeter,
conductor rapidly increase the power supply
voltage to about 12 V.
Connect jumpers J2, J4, J6, J12
and repeat the previous RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
measurements, from the moment
the DC is connected In the experiment we performed
last time, we tested the operation of a
The capacitor as an energy store capacitor as a dc blocking device, test if
it stores energy, and also studies the
relationship between the current and
voltage across it. We have the Digital
multimeter, Electric circuit trainer,
jumpers and electric power supply in
doing the experiment.

After we set-up our materials, we

proceed to our experiment. On the first
part, we set the voltage supply to 24V.
Since we are using an alternating
current, the capacitor was charged up to
I = 0.72 mA and V = 23.65 V.

On the next part, we adjust the

supply to 12V and also change the
designation of the jumpers according to
our manual to get another circuit
configuration. We checked first if the
capacitor has already stored energy, and
as we immediately changes the
connection of J12 to J13, we watched
how the LED suddenly lights up and then
it turned off right after an instant. Next, we
disconnect J13 and connect it back to
J12. We observed the stronger
From the moment we luminosity of the LED and also noticed
changed the supply to DC the that the voltage across the capacitor
following values are taken. We increases to 12.20V. The LED lighten up
measure the voltage of the until 5s.
capacitor and its equals to 24.17 V On the next part, we waited until
and the current taken is equals to the capacitor discharges energy. After
0.93 mA. that, we change again into another circuit
configuration. And as we observe the
ammeter and rapidly change the supply
to 12V, we also observe that the change
of current in the capacitor is not
proportional to the change of voltage.
And as we change the voltage supply to
10V, we obtain the same outcome.

And the last part, we just solve the

following questions to get the answers;
Q6: Vc = 220V , Q7: Q = 100nC and C = charge of 100mC. What is its
454.5F. capacitance?

100103
= =
220

= 4.5454104
454.5454 answer

CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION

After the experiment, we conclude

that when we connect capacitor to
voltage source there will be dc current
flow in circuit as long the capacitor is fully
charged. That actually means
that capacitor blocks dc and allow ac.
The energy stored in a capacitor is
almost entirely in the electric field
produced between the plates. It
takes energy from a voltage source to
move electrons to one of the plates and
away from the other. This makes one
plate positively charged and the other
negatively charged. We saw that a led
start bright then dims in the series
because the capacitor is charging
through the led. And in capacitor, current
doesnt flow and to have current flow the
voltage must change. For a constant
voltage source capacitors act as open
circuits because theres no current flow.
The voltage across a capacitor changes
in a smooth fashion so there are no
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION instantaneous jumps in voltages.

Summary Questions We recommend that while using

What is the voltage across a any instruments in a laboratory
experiment take a good care of it and test
0.15F capacitor, with 33x10-
6coulomb of charge? it first before to start. Like in a circuit
trainer, check it first if it have any damage
and before changing a jumper, turn off
=
first the voltage source to prevent any
accident.
33106
= =
0.15106

=220 V answer REFERENCES

A 5F capacitor has a voltage of [1]http://www.electronicshub.org/introdu
50V. What is the charge stored? ction-to-capacitors
[2]http://www.electronics-
= = 5106 50 tutorials.ws/capacitor/cap_1.html

= 2.5104 250 answer [3]www.circuitstoday.com/capacitors-

A capacitor connected to a invention-history-and-the-story-of-
voltage of 220V has a stored leyden-jar
[4]https://ece.uwaterloo.ca/~lab100/ls1n
otes.pdf
[5]http://cesindustries.com/ces_image/la
b400.pdf
[6] www.wikipedia.com

Christian Angelo C. Masicat is currently

an Electrical Engineering student at
BIOGRAPHY Batangas State University Alangilan
Campus. She was born on June 8, 1997
19 years of age. He finished her
Secondary Education at Mataasnakahoy
National Highschool in the year of 2013.

John Russel A. Garcia was born on

July15, 1997 19 years of age. He lives in
Natunuan South, San Pascual, Batangas
City. He finished his Secondary
Education at Sta. Teresa College in the Emmanuel B. Palmes was born on
year of 2014. He is currently a third year March 26, 1998 18 years of age. He
student of Electrical Engineering at currently residing in Dagatan, San Jose,
Batangas State University. Batangas City. Finished his Secondary
Education in Taysan National Highschool
on 2014. Currently studying at Batangas
State University taking up Bachelor of
Science in Electrical Engineering.

Angelo B. Macatangay was born on

October 26, 1997 19 years of age. He
lives in Banaba West, Batangas City and
finished his Secondary Education in
Banaba West National Highschool on Renz E. Villanueva was born on May 14,
2014. Currently taking up Bachelor of 1998 18 years of age. He lives in
Science in Electrical Engineering in Alitagtag Batangas City. Graduated at
Batangas State Unversity. Alitagtag National Highschool last 2014.
Currently taking up Bachelor of Science
in Electrical Engineering at Batangas
State University.