capacitance

[ kuh-pas-i-tuhns ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. the ratio of an impressed charge on a conductor to the corresponding change in potential.
2. the ratio of the charge on either conductor of a capacitor to the potential difference between the conductors.
3. the property of being able to collect a charge of electricity. : C

capacitance

/ kəˈpæsɪtəns /

noun

1. the property of a system that enables it to store electric charge
2. a measure of this, equal to the charge that must be added to such a system to raise its electrical potential by one unit

capacitance

/ kə-păs′ĭ-təns /

1. A measure of the ability of a configuration of materials to store electric charge. In a capacitor , capacitance depends on the size of the plates, the type of insulator, and the amount of space between the plates. Most electrical components display capacitance to some degree; even the spaces between components of a circuit have a natural capacitance. Capacitance is measured in farads.
2. Compare inductance

Derived Forms

• caˈpacitively, adverb
• caˈpacitive, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of capacitance¹

First recorded in 1905–10; capacit(y) + -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of capacitance¹

C20: from capacit ( y ) + -ance

Example Sentences

This change in frequency is achieved by varying the electrical capacitance in the tuned circuit of the oscillator.

From Project Gutenberg

As the blades of the tuning forks vibrate, the capacitance is alternately increased and decreased by the required amount.

From Project Gutenberg

The capacitance of a condenser or a circuit depends on its size and form and the voltage of the current that is charging it.

From Project Gutenberg

The variable condenser used in series with the aerial wire system has 26 plates and is equal to a capacitance of .0008 mfd.

From Project Gutenberg

The condenser used in the secondary coil circuit has 14 plates and this is equal to a capacitance of .0004 mfd.

From Project Gutenberg