University of the East

Basic Education Department

Caloocan Campus

MODULE 4
Capacitance and Dielectrics

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

 Deduce the effects of simple capacitors (e.g., parallel-plate, spherical, cylindrical)
on the capacitance, charge, and potential difference when the size, potential
difference, or charge is changed;
 Calculate the equivalent capacitance of a network of capacitors connected in
series/parallel;
 Determine the total charge, the charge on, and the potential difference across
each capacitor in the network given the capacitors connected in series/parallel;
 Predict the effects on the final potential difference and change in potential energy
of a capacitor when either the geometry or charge is changed; and
 Describe the effects of inserting dielectric materials on the capacitance, charge,
and electric field of a capacitor.

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ACTIVITY
Electronics engineers deal with fundamental semiconductor instruments for the
implementation of circuits and systems. These devices and systems operate on the
basis of electric field, electrostatic potential and capacitance principles. The
electrostatic field is prevalent, ranging from basic devices to larger structures such as
computers and cell phones. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the principles of
electrostatics, which in this lesson we will learn one of the important elements in an
electrical circuit. But let's get a preview of the operation first!
Find words in the Word hunt puzzle that can be used to fill in the blanks on each
of the following sentences below.
C A P A C I T O R Q S
H F M L E N X L K E T
A A L E A S M C D L O
R R A H T T Z J G E R
G A T C H A E G E C E
E D S T O X L S R T S
A S E R I E S W L R M
H R O T A L U S N I A
C A P A C I T A N C E

1. A __________ is a device that _______ electrical energy in an electric field.

2. ____________ is a measure of the amount of _________ stored on the
conductors, for a given potential difference.
3. The conductors are known as plates and the ____________ is known as a
dielectric.
4. Capacitance is measured in ___________.
5. ____________ charges can be stored temporarily in __________ conductors.
6. The ____________ combination of capacitors is characterized by only one
path for charge transfer through terminals A and B.
7. The most common type of capacitor is the parallel-plate capacitor. It consists

of two metal _______ separated by an insulator.

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DISCUSSION
We know that by friction and by induction, we can charge objects. But can
electrical charges also be stored? Yes, it can be achieved. We will explore how
electrical charges are stored in such devices in this tutorial.
Items such as metal spheres and electroscopes may be charged using various
means, such as contacting or inducing a charged body. But do you know that these
metal spheres and electroscopes have the capacity to store charges?
Electric charges can be stored temporarily in metal conductors. The capacity to
store charges depends on the voltage or the potential difference of the objects. If two
identical spheres are at different voltages or potential differences, the one with the
higher potential stores more charges than the one at the lower potential difference or
voltage. If the voltage of an object is doubled, the amount of charge on it also doubles,
we can therefore conclude that:
𝑸 ∝ 𝑽 or 𝑸 = 𝑪𝑽 ; where Q is the charge stored, V is the potential difference
and C is the proportionality constant called the capacitance of the object.

CAPACITANCE AND CAPACITORS

One of the important elements in an
electric circuit is a capacitor. A capacitor is a
device that stores charge on conductors that are
separated by an insulator. The conductors are
known as plates and the insulator is known as a
dielectric.

The metals are connected to the two

terminals of a battery. The charges then move from
the battery to the metal. Electrons transfer from the
right to the left plate through the battery. The
maximum charge is then reached by the plates, that
is, when the voltage between the plates becomes
equal to V of the battery, electron flow ceases. The standard symbols of capacitors
used in an electric circuit

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Capacitance is a measure of the amount of charge stored on the conductors,

for a given potential difference. The capacitance C of a capacitor is mathematically
defined as the ratio of the amount of charge q in one plate to the potential difference
V between the plates. In symbols,
𝒒
𝑪=
𝑽
Capacitance is measured in farad (F) and represented by C. Because the farad
is a large unit, microfarads (10-6 µF) and pico-farads (10-12pF) are used generally. Also
note that 1 farad is equal to 1 coulomb per volt.

Sample Problem No. 1:

A parallel-plate capacitor of 20 μF capacitance is charged to a potential

difference of 5 V. How much charge is stored in each plate?

Given: Solution:
C = 20 μF or 20 × 10−6 F
𝒒 = 𝑪𝑽
𝒒 = 20 × 10−6 F (5 V)

Required: 𝒒 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 𝑪 𝒐𝒓 𝟏𝟎−𝟒 𝑪 𝒐𝒓 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂

𝒒 =?

Equation: Answer:
𝒒
𝑪= 𝒒 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎
−𝟔
𝑪 𝒐𝒓 𝟏𝟎
−𝟒
𝑪 𝒐𝒓 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝛍𝐂
𝑽
𝒒 = 𝑪𝑽

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PARALLEL-PLATE CAPACITOR
The most common type of capacitor is the parallel-
plate capacitor. It consists of two metal plates separated by
an insulator. To charge this capacitor, it can be connected to
a battery so that one plate becomes short of electrons
(positive) and the other plate gains electrons (negative). After
charging, an electric field is formed between the plates.

Factors Affecting Capacitance

There are several factors that affect the capacitance of a capacitor. These are
(1) area of the capacitor plates, (2) distance between the plates, and (3) a dielectric
between the two plates.
1. Plate Area: All other factors being equal, greater plate area gives greater
capacitance; less plate area gives less capacitance.

2. Plate Spacing: All other factors being equal, further plate spacing gives
less capacitance; closer plate spacing gives greater capacitance.

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3. The Insulating Material or Dielectric Material: All other factors being

equal, greater permittivity of the dielectric gives greater capacitance; less
permittivity of the dielectric gives less capacitance.

“Relative” permittivity means the permittivity of a material, relative to that of

a pure vacuum. The greater the number, the greater the permittivity of the material.
Glass, for instance, with a relative permittivity of 7, has seven times the permittivity of
a pure vacuum, and consequently will allow for the establishment of an electric field
flux seven times stronger than that of a vacuum, all other factors being equal. The
following is a table listing the relative permittivity (also known as the “dielectric
constant”) of various common substances:

Dielectric ∈ (× 𝟏𝟎−𝟏𝟏 𝑪𝟐 /𝑵 ∙ 𝒎𝟐

Air or Vacuum 0.885

Glass (ordinary) 7

Glass (pyrex) 4.7

Mica 4.8

Mylar 2.7

Paraffin 2

Polyethylene 1.99

Porcelain 6.2

Teflon 1.9

Water at 20℃ 70.8

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The dependence of the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor on the factors

cited above is mathematically expressed as:
𝑨
𝑪 =∈
𝒅
where A is the area of the plate, d is the distance between the plates, and ∈ is the
permittivity of some common dielectrics.

The relative permittivity or dielectric constant ∈𝑹 is the ratio of the permittivity ∈

of the dielectric to the permittivity ∈0 of a vacuum or air.
∈
∈𝑅 =
∈0

Sample Problem No. 2:

A capacitor consists of two square metal plates, each measuring

5.00 𝑋 10−2 𝑚 on a side. In between the plates is a sheet of mica
measuring 1.00 x 10−4 𝑚 thick. (a) What is the capacitance
of this capacitor? If the charge in one plate is 2.00 x 10−8 C, what is the
(b) potential difference.

Given: Solution:
𝑨 (𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆)𝟐
𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 = 𝟓. 𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 𝒎 (a) 𝑪 = ∈ 𝒅 = ∈ 𝒅
−𝟏𝟏 𝟐 𝟐
𝒅 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟒 𝒎 𝟏𝟎 𝑪 𝟐
(𝟓. 𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟐 𝒎)
𝑪 = (𝟒. 𝟖 × ∙ 𝒎 )[ ]
𝑵 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟒 𝒎
𝒒 = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟖 𝑪
𝑪 = 𝟏. 𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟗 𝐅

Required: 𝒒
(b) 𝑽 =
(a) C=? 𝑪
𝟐.𝟎𝟎 ×𝟏𝟎−𝟖 𝑪
(b) V=? =
𝟏.𝟐 ×𝟏𝟎−𝟗 𝐅

𝑽 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟕 𝑽

Equation: Answer:
𝑨 (𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆)𝟐
(c) 𝑪 = ∈ 𝒅 = ∈ (a) 𝑪 = 𝟏. 𝟐 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟗 𝐅
𝒅
𝒒
(d) 𝑽 = (b) 𝑽 = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟕 𝑽
𝑪

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COMBINATION OF CAPACITORS
Several capacitors may be connected together in a variety of applications.
Multiple connections of capacitors act like a single equivalent capacitor. The total
capacitance of this equivalent single capacitor depends both on the individual
capacitors and how they are connected. There are two simple and common types of
connections, called series and parallel, for which we can easily calculate the total
capacitance. Certain more complicated connections can also be related to
combinations of series and parallel.

 Capacitance in Series
 The series combination of capacitors is characterized by only one path
for charge transfer through terminals A and B.
 All the series capacitors acquire the same charge. The charges in each
capacitor are equivalent, and are all equal to the total charge in the
combination.
 But because they have difference capacitances, the potential differences
between the plates of the capacitor are different.
 In summary, the following relationships apply for capacitors in series:
Charge:
𝒒𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝒒𝟏 = 𝒒𝟐 = 𝒒𝟑 = ⋯ = 𝒒𝒏
Potential difference:
𝑽𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑽𝟏 + 𝑽𝟐 + 𝑽𝟑 + ⋯ + 𝑽𝒏
Capacitance:
𝒒𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒒𝟏 𝒒𝟐 𝒒𝟑 𝒒𝒏
𝑽𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = = + + + ⋯+
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝟏 𝑪𝟐 𝑪𝟑 𝑪𝒏
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + + + ⋯+
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝟏 𝑪𝟐 𝑪𝟑 𝑪𝒏

Figure 1. (a) Capacitors connected in

series. The magnitude of the charge
on each plate is Q. (b) An equivalent
capacitor has a larger plate
separation d. Series connection
produce a total capacitance that is
less than that of any of the individual
capacitors.

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 Capacitance in Parallel
 For parallel capacitors, there are several paths for the transfer of charges
through the voltage terminals A and B.
 Since the capacitors are connected to the same terminals A and B, then
the potential differences between their plates are equivalent, and are
equal to 𝑽𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 .
 In summary, the following relationships apply for capacitors in parallel:
Charge:
𝒒𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝒒𝟏 + 𝒒𝟐 + 𝒒𝟑 + ⋯ + 𝒒𝒏
Potential difference:
𝑽𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑽𝟏 = 𝑽𝟐 = 𝑽𝟑 = ⋯ = 𝑽𝒏
Capacitance:
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑽𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑪𝟏 𝑽𝟏 + 𝑪𝟐 𝑽𝟐 + 𝑪𝟑 𝑽𝟑 + ⋯ + 𝑪𝒏 𝑽𝒏
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑪𝟏 + 𝑪𝟐 + 𝑪𝟑 + ⋯ + 𝑪𝒏

Figure 2. (a) Capacitors in parallel. Each

is connected directly to the voltage
source just as if it were all alone, and so
the total capacitance in parallel is just
the sum of the individual capacitances.
(b) The equivalent capacitor has a larger
plate area and can therefore hold more
charge than the individual capacitors.

More complicated connections of capacitors can sometimes be combinations

of series and parallel. (See Figure 3.) To find the total capacitance of such
combinations, we identify series and parallel parts, compute their capacitances, and
then find the total.

Figure 3. (a) This circuit contains both series and parallel connections of capacitors. (b) C1 and
C2 are in series; their equivalent capacitance CS is less than either of them. (c) Note that CS is in
parallel with C3. The total capacitance is, thus, the sum of CS and C3.

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Sample Problem No. 3:

Given that 𝑪𝟏 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝑭, 𝑪𝟐 = 𝟓. 𝟎 𝑭, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝟑 = 𝟒. 𝟎 𝑭,

Find the total capacitance for each of the connection shown below:

Solution:
Given: (a) 𝑪𝟏 , 𝑪2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑪3 are in series. Therefore,
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝑪𝟏 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝑭 = + +
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝟏 𝑪𝟐 𝑪𝟑
𝑪𝟐 = 𝟓. 𝟎 𝑭 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= + +
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐅 𝟓. 𝟎 𝐅 𝟒. 𝟎 𝐅
𝑪𝟑 = 𝟒. 𝟎 𝑭 𝟏
= 𝟎. 𝟓𝟓 𝐅
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟖 𝐅
Required:
(𝒂) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 (series) (b) 𝑪𝟏 , 𝑪2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑪3 are in parallel. Thus,
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑪𝟏 + 𝑪𝟐 + 𝑪𝟑
(𝒃) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 (parallel) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐅 + 𝟓. 𝟎 𝐅 + 𝟒. 𝟎 𝐅
(𝒄) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 (combination of series and 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟏𝟗. 𝟎 𝐅
parallel) (c) 𝑪𝟏 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑪2 are in series. Therefore, their
combined capacitance 𝑪𝟏,𝟐 is:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= +
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝟏 𝑪𝟐
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
= +
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝟏𝟎. 𝟎 𝐅 𝟓. 𝟎 𝐅
𝟏
= 𝟎. 𝟑𝟎 𝐅
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍
𝑪𝟏,𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟑 𝐅
The series combination of 𝑪𝟏 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑪2 is
parallel to 𝑪𝟑 . Therefore, the combined
capacitance is:
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑪𝟏,𝟐 + 𝑪𝟑
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟑. 𝟑 𝐅 + 𝟒. 𝟎 𝐅
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟕. 𝟑 𝐅
Answer:
Equation:
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
(𝒂) = + + (a) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟖 𝐅
𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝟏 𝑪𝟐 𝑪𝟑
(𝒃) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝑪𝟏 + 𝑪𝟐 + 𝑪𝟑 (b) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟏𝟗. 𝟎 𝐅
(𝒄) 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 (c) 𝑪𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = 𝟕. 𝟑 𝐅
𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒍

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SYNTHESIS
Create a concept map to show the summary of the topic: Capacitance and
Dielectrics. (20 pts.)
Requirements:
1. Starts with the Word Charge
2. Use words or phrases only. No sentences allowed.
3. Minimum of 10 boxes/circle with words.

Rubrics:
Criteria 5 4 3 2 1
Exemplary Exceed Adequately Below Needs a lot of
Standard meet standard standard improvement
Concepts, content,
and Terminologies
(Knowledge) x2
Hierarchical Structure
(Organization &
Communication) x1
Accuracy and Free
from Errors x1

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OUTPUT
Solve the following problems below about capacitors. Write the given, formula and
show your solution. Box Your final answer. Write your final answer into two decimal
places. (5 pts. each)

1. The parallel plates of an air capacitor are separated by 2.25 mm. Each plate
carries a charge of 6.50 nC. The magnitude of the electric field of the plates is
4.75 x 105 V/m. Find the (a) potential difference between the plates (b)
capacitance, and (c) area of the plate.
2. A parallel plate capacitor has a capacitance of 3.5 pF and a dielectric constant
of 2. How far are the two plates from each other if the area of each plates is 3
x10-3 m2?
3. The relative permittivity of a dielectric is 2.25. (a) what is its permittivity? (b)
what will be the capacitance if this dielectric is inserted into a 7.8 microF air
capacitor?
4. Find the total capacitance of the combination of capacitors shown below.

5. Find the total capacitance of the combination of capacitors shown below if

each capacitor has a capacitance of 3 microF?

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VALUES
Read the following article below. You may also access the given link below to read
the whole article.
https://allusesof.com/electricity/uses-of-capacitors-in-daily-life/

Uses of Capacitors in Daily Life

A capacitor is a unique device that is capable of storing electrical

energy in an electric field. It can also or be a component that has the ability
or “capacity” to save energy in the form of an electrical charge. It produces a
potential difference (Static Voltage) across its plates, much like a small
rechargeable battery. Everyday uses of capacitors in daily life keep adding on
the list.
Capacitors are necessary components in electronic products and have
a different host application. They are charged by a current, on the simplest
level, and then they release that current a ll at once. It may not sound
particularly impressive, but it is this charging and discharging that operates
the flash on your camera. Also, the tuning dial on your radio, and it stops your
loudspeakers from exploding.
Because of its different uses, capacit ors fit in a wide range of industries
and have become a vital part of everyday life. Some of the uses include;

Best uses of capacitors in daily life

1. Energy storage
2. Power factor correction
3. Used in sensors
4. Power Conditioning
5. Coupling
6. Tuning
7. Used in Pulsed power and weapons
8. Decoupling
9. Used as a timing element
10. Signal Processing
11. Smoothing

Capacitors are useful in virtually every electronics circuit that is built

today. It explains why there are many uses of capacitors in daily life today.
Most probably, if you are using a smartphone, the touchscreen is capacitive,
which means it uses several capacitors which you actuate with fingers. All
memory systems, including these phones and all computers, use capacitors
for binary memory systems. You are making them fundamental into human
beings today because they depend a lot on electric appliances and equipment
on their daily activities.

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What are your insights about the article given above?

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