In this article, in general terms, you can learn about a very common radioelectronic element called the electrical capacitor. The capacitor is used in most amateur radio electronic circuits, so the beginner radio amateur should understand in sufficient detail the basis of the capacitor, and how to use it.
The capacitor is:
The capacitor is the same electronic element as all other elements with a certain operating principle, capacity value and design features Figure 1.
A capacitor is designed to store charge and energy of an electric field. The capacitor is made quite simply, it consists of two metal covers (plates), between which there is a dielectric (thinner than the size of the covers). This combination provides the capacitor’s capacitance depending on the materials used and the design features. The capacitor, like other electronic components, has its own special designation in the diagram in figure 2.
You don’t need to memorize many capacitor designations or capacity ratings. When mastering the basic components of the component base, start your self-education by learning to use reference books, and navigate through capacitor markings and designations.