A capacitor stores electric charge by having two conductors separated by an insulator. Common applications include computer memory, camera flashes, and surge protectors. The amount of charge stored is proportional to the potential difference between the plates. When a dielectric is placed between the plates, it increases the capacitance by a factor called the dielectric constant. Energy is stored in a capacitor as 1/2 CV^2 and is released when the capacitor discharges through a circuit.

2. Types of Capacitors Parallel-Plate Capacitor Cylindrical Capacitor A cylindrical capacitor is a parallel-plate capacitor that has been rolled up with an insulating layer between the plates.

3. Capacitors and Capacitance Charge Q stored: The stored charge Q is proportional to the potential difference V between the plates. The capacitance C is the constant of proportionality, measured in Farads. Farad = Coulomb / Volt A capacitor in a simple electric circuit.

17. Incidentally, graphs can be V or Q against t, they all have the same basic shape