What is the Difference Between Capacitor and Battery?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a capacitor and a battery lies in the way they store and release electrical energy. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Energy Storage: Capacitors store energy in an electric field, while batteries store energy in a chemical form and convert it to electrical energy.
- Energy Density: Batteries generally have a higher energy density than capacitors, meaning they can store more energy for a given volume or mass.
- Power Density: Capacitors have a higher power density than batteries, which means they can charge and discharge more rapidly.
- Charge/Discharge Rates: Capacitors can charge and discharge faster than batteries due to their ability to store electrical energy directly on the plates.
- Cycle Life: Capacitors typically have a longer cycle life than batteries, meaning they can be charged and discharged more times before losing their effectiveness.
- Voltage Output: The voltage output of a capacitor declines linearly as current flows, while batteries can maintain a more constant voltage output.
In summary, batteries are better suited for applications that require more energy and longer cycle life, while capacitors are better suited for high-power applications that require quick energy delivery.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Capacitor and Battery? Comparative Table: Capacitor vs Battery
Comparative Table: Capacitor vs Battery
Here is a table comparing the differences between capacitors and batteries:
Characteristic | Capacitor | Battery |
---|---|---|
Energy Storage Mode | Stores potential energy in the form of an electric field (electrostatic field) | Stores potential energy in the form of chemical energy |
Construction | Two terminal device consisting of two metallic plates separated by a dielectric | Three main parts: positive terminal (cathode), negative terminal (anode), and electrolyte |
Function | Draws, stores, and releases energy (stores charged electrons) | Provides energy to connected circuits, generates electrons and charge |
Working Principle | Energy storage based on applied voltage across the terminals | Chemical reaction called oxidation-reduction reaction |
Energy Density | Typically lower energy density than batteries | Higher energy density compared to capacitors |
Power Density | Greater power density, faster charge and discharge capabilities | Lower power density, slower charge and discharge capabilities |
Types | Aluminum electrolytic, film, or tantalum | Alkaline, Lithium Cells, Silver Oxide Cells, Zinc Air Cells, Zinc Carbon, Lead Acid, etc. |
Batteries are generally better suited for applications that require more energy and longer cycle life, while capacitors are better suited for rapid charge and discharge capabilities.
Read more:
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- Resistance vs Capacitance
- Electrolytic vs Ceramic Capacitor
- Lead Acid vs Lithium Ion Battery
- Lead Acid Battery vs Alkaline Battery
- Lead Acid vs Calcium Batteries
- Capacitor vs Condenser
- Rechargeable vs Non Rechargeable Batteries
- Inductance vs Capacitance
- Tantalum vs Electrolytic Capacitor
- Alkaline vs Lithium Batteries
- AA Battery vs AAA Battery
- Battery Charger vs Battery Maintainer
- Electrochemical Cell vs Electrolytic Cell
- Capacity vs Capability