Plain-English Meaning
A charged capacitor stores energy in its electric field; this energy equals ½CV².
Keep charge, field, potential, and current distinct. That single habit fixes a large fraction of electromagnetism errors.
Deeper Explanation
A charged capacitor stores energy in its electric field; this energy equals ½CV².
Worked Example
Problem: A 100 μF capacitor is charged to 50 V. How much energy is stored?
- U = ½CV² = ½ × 100×10⁻⁶ × 50²
- U = ½ × 10⁻⁴ × 2500 = 0.125 J
Result: 0.125 J
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At A Glance
Category: Electromagnetism
Levels covered:
Best use: Start with the formula meaning, then move to the worked example and quiz so the equation turns into a tool instead of a memorised line.