A static charge is an electric charge that is stationary or not moving. It can be positive or negative and can be created through friction, induction, or contact with other charged objects.
A capacitor is a device used to store electric charge. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric. When a voltage is applied to the plates, charge is stored on them, creating an electric field between the plates.
When a voltage is applied to a capacitor, the positive charges collect on one plate while the negative charges collect on the other plate. This creates an electric field between the plates, storing the charge. The insulating material between the plates prevents the charges from flowing across and discharging the capacitor.
Capacitors have a wide range of uses, including storing energy in electronic circuits, filtering out unwanted signals, and smoothing out fluctuations in power supply. They are also used in electric motors, audio equipment, and cameras.
A capacitor can be discharged by connecting the two plates together, allowing the charges to flow across and neutralize each other. It is important to discharge a capacitor before handling it, as it can still hold a charge even when not connected to a power source.