The higher the dielectric constant of the material between the plates, the greater the ability of the dielectric to support electrostatic forces. Therefore, as the dielectric constant increases, capacitance increases. Every capacitor has a maximum working voltage which is determined by the dielectric strength of the material between its plates. The most common types of capacitors are paper, ceramic, polycarbonate and electrolytic capacitors. The charges on the plates of the capacitor create an electric field between them.
Capacitance is then the capacity to hold charge at a given potential difference.
The unit of capacitance, the Farad, is extremely large. When capacitors are connected in parallel they act as though the areas of the plates are being added. An electrolytic and ceramic capacitor Energy Stored in a Capacitor Energy is stored in the electric field in the dielectric between the plates of a capacitor. A charged capacitor is analogous to a stretched spring. Both contain potential energy.