AAMC FL Practice Exam

In the context of capacitors, what does the formula C = Q/v represent?

1. Capacitance calculation

2. Resistor value

3. Current flow direction

4. Voltage measurement

The correct answer is: Capacitance calculation

The formula C = Q/v is fundamental in understanding the concept of capacitance in electrical circuits. In this equation, C represents capacitance, which is a measure of a capacitor's ability to store charge. Q denotes the electric charge stored in the capacitor, while v stands for the voltage across the capacitor. The relationship described by the formula indicates that the capacitance is directly proportional to the amount of charge stored by the capacitor (Q) and inversely proportional to the voltage across its plates (v). Therefore, this formula provides a clear way to calculate the capacitance of a capacitor, emphasizing how much charge can be stored for a given voltage. This understanding is crucial when dealing with capacitors in practical applications, such as in timing circuits, energy storage systems, and filtering applications in power supplies. This is why the correct interpretation of the formula pertains specifically to capacitance calculation.