capacitance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “capacitance” mean?
The ability of a system to store an electric charge per unit voltage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ability of a system to store an electric charge per unit voltage.
In electronics and physics, a measure of the amount of electric charge stored for a given electric potential. It is a fundamental property of a capacitor, analogous to the capacity of a container to hold fluid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “capacitance” in a Sentence
the capacitance of [noun phrase]a capacitance of [numerical value]to measure/calculate/determine the capacitanceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capacitance” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The capacitive reactance depends on frequency.
- They measured the capacitive coupling between the traces.
American English
- The capacitive touchscreen is very responsive.
- Parasitic capacitive effects can degrade the signal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical sales or procurement for electronic components.
Academic
Core term in physics and electrical engineering curricula and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Fundamental and frequent term in circuit design, electronics, and physics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capacitance”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capacitance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capacitance”
- Using 'capacitance' to mean general ability or capacity (e.g., 'his capacitance for work').
- Confusing 'capacitance' (property) with 'capacitor' (the physical component).
- Misspelling as 'capacitence'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In general English, 'capacity' refers to the maximum amount something can contain or produce. 'Capacitance' is a specific technical term in physics/electronics for the ability to store electrical charge.
No. The related verb is 'to capacitate', but it is extremely rare and not used in an electrical context. The noun 'capacitance' is not verbed.
A capacitor is the physical electronic component. Capacitance is the measurable property of that component (and of any conductive system), quantifying how much charge it can store per volt.
Primarily, but any two conductors separated by an insulator have capacitance. In circuit design, unintended 'stray' or 'parasitic' capacitance between wires or components is a critical consideration.
The ability of a system to store an electric charge per unit voltage.
Capacitance is usually technical / academic in register.
Capacitance: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈpæs.ɪ.təns/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈpæs.ə.t̬əns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAPACITOR (the device) and its CAPACITY to store charge. CAPACITANCE is the measure of that capacity.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CAPACITOR IS A STORAGE TANK. Capacitance is the SIZE or VOLUME of that tank for holding electrical charge.
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard unit of measurement for capacitance?