Farad Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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farad
[ˈfɛrəd ]
Definition
unit of capacitance
The farad is the SI unit of capacitance, which measures a capacitor's ability to store electrical charge. One farad is defined as the amount of capacitance that will allow one coulomb of electric charge to produce a potential difference of one volt across its terminals. Farads are often used in electrical engineering, particularly when discussing capacitors and their properties. This unit is named after the English scientist Michael Faraday, who contributed significantly to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry.
Synonyms
capacitance unit.
Examples of usage
- A capacitor with a capacitance of 10 microfarads.
- The circuit requires a capacitor of at least 1 farad.
- He measured the capacitance in farads to determine the circuit's efficiency.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- A farad is a large unit; most capacitors in everyday devices have capacitance in microfarads (millionths of a farad).
- In a capacitor, a higher farad value means it can store more energy for use in circuits.
Pop Culture
- The farad has appeared in sci-fi and futuristic themes as devices need capacitors for power storage in stories, like those in 'Star Wars'.
- In video games, characters often need to 'charge' or use energy similar to how capacitors store farads.
Technology
- Supercapacitors, often rated in farads, are used in modern electronics for quick energy release, making them invaluable in energy-efficient devices.
- Farads are significant in the development of electric vehicles, where efficient energy storage is essential.
Origin of 'farad'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'farad' is named after the famous scientist Michael Faraday, who made important discoveries in electromagnetism.
- It was first adopted as a unit in the late 19th century when scientists needed a standardized measure for capacitance.
The term 'farad' was introduced in the 19th century to honor Michael Faraday's work in electromagnetism. Faraday's contributions laid the groundwork for the field of electrical engineering, particularly with his discoveries related to electric fields and capacitance. The farad itself was officially adopted as a unit of measurement in 1881 when the International Electrical Congress proposed standardising units for electrical quantities. As technology advanced, especially in the fields of telecommunications and computing, the significance of the farad became even more pronounced. Today, understanding capacitance in farads is fundamental for engineers and technicians when designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting electrical systems.