Farad

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Farad

The farad (symbol: F) is the SI derived unit of electrical capacitance, the ability of a body to store an electric charge. It is named after the English scientist Michael Faraday.

Definition

One farad is defined as the capacitance of a capacitor that, when charged with one coulomb of electricity, has a potential difference of one volt between its plates. Mathematically, it is expressed as: \[ 1 \text{ F} = 1 \frac{\text{C}}{\text{V}} \]

History

The unit was named in honor of Michael Faraday, who made significant contributions to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. The term "farad" was first used in the mid-19th century.

Practical Usage

In practical applications, the farad is a very large unit. Most capacitors are measured in microfarads (µF), nanofarads (nF), or picofarads (pF). For example:

• 1 µF = 10^-6 F
• 1 nF = 10^-9 F
• 1 pF = 10^-12 F

Capacitors

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. The capacitance of a capacitor is measured in farads. Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for blocking direct current while allowing alternating current to pass, in filter networks, for smoothing the output of power supplies, and in many other applications.

Related Units

• Microfarad (µF)
• Nanofarad (nF)
• Picofarad (pF)

See Also

• Capacitance
• Capacitor
• Michael Faraday
• Electromagnetism
• Electrochemistry

External Links

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