The ability of a component or circuit to collect and store energy in the form of an electrical charge.

The condition where the capacitor is fully charged and no current flows through it, acting like an open switch.

τ = RC, the time it takes for a capacitor to charge to about 63% of its max voltage or discharge to about 37% of its initial voltage.

The total capacitance of multiple capacitors in series, calculated using the reciprocal formula: $\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$

The total capacitance of multiple capacitors in parallel, calculated by directly adding the individual capacitances: $C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$

Use the reciprocal addition formula: \(\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...\)

Add the capacitances directly: \(C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...\)

Initially, current flows freely. As the capacitor charges, the voltage across it increases until it equals the source voltage, at which point current stops flowing.

The capacitor releases its stored charge through the resistor, with the voltage and current decreasing exponentially over time.

The voltage across the capacitor increases over time until it reaches the voltage of the source, after which it remains constant.

Series: Charge is the same on each capacitor ($Q_{total} = Q_1 = Q_2 = Q_3 = ...$) | Parallel: Total charge is the sum of charges on each capacitor ($Q_{total} = Q_1 + Q_2 + Q_3 + ...$)

Series: $\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$ | Parallel: $C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$

Initial State: Current flows freely, capacitor is uncharged | Steady State: No current flows, capacitor is fully charged and acts as an open circuit.

Series: Voltage is split across each capacitor. | Parallel: Voltage is the same across each capacitor.

Series: Current is the same through each capacitor. | Parallel: Current divides through each capacitor.