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: $C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$

Initially, current flows freely into the uncharged capacitor. As the capacitor charges, the current decreases exponentially. Eventually, the capacitor reaches steady state, where its voltage equals the source voltage and current flow stops.

When a charged capacitor discharges through a resistor, the charge, voltage, and current decrease exponentially with time. The rate of discharge is determined by the time constant τ = RC.

Use the reciprocal 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 and the capacitor charges. As it charges, the current decreases. At steady state, the capacitor is fully charged, blocks DC current, and acts like an open circuit.

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.