title: The Capacitor Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide For Correct Component Selection In All Circuit Applications. Know What To Use When And Where.
author:  Cletus J. Kaiser 
description: "...a useful addition to the bookshelf of any engineer, technician, or hobbyist." -- <i>Editor, Microwaves &amp; RF Magazine, January 1996</i><br /><br />"...completely blow away older titles..." -- <i>Editor, Sound &amp; Video Contractor, S&amp;VC, Magazine, February 20, 1997</i><br /><br />"...extensive description of the electrical characteristics and applications of this fundamental electronic device,..." -- <i>Editor, Microwaves &amp; RF Magazine, January 1996</i><br /><br />"...loads of practical circuit-application information." -- <i>Technical Editor, Electronic Design Magazine, July 22, 1996</i>
zlib_text: Understanding Electronic 
  Components 
  Index
  Development systems
  Contact us
  Previous page
  Table of contents
  Next page
   
  2. Capacitors 
  Capacitors are common components of electronic circuits, used almost as frequently as resistors. Basic difference between 
  the two is the fact that capacitor resistance (called reactance) depends on voltage frequency, not only on capacitors' 
  features. Common mark for reactance is Xc and it can be calculated using the following formula: 
   
  f representing the frequency in Hz and C representing the capacity in Farads. 
  For example, 5nF-capacitor's reactance at f=125kHz equals: 
   
  while, at f=1.25MHz, it equals: 
   
  Capacitor has infinitely high reactance for direct current, because f=0. 
  Capacitors are used in circuits for filtering signals of specified frequency. They are common components of electrical filters, 
  oscillator circuits, etc. 
  Basic characteristic of capacitor is its capacity -  higher the capacity is, higher is the amount of electricity capac