What effect does frequency have on the impedance of a capacitor?

The relationship between frequency and the impedance of a capacitor is governed by the formula for capacitive impedance, which is expressed as Z = 1 / (jωC), where Z is the impedance, j is the imaginary unit, ω (omega) is the angular frequency (2π times the frequency in hertz), and C is the capacitance in farads.

As frequency increases, the angular frequency ω increases, which results in the capacitive impedance Z decreasing because it is inversely proportional to frequency. Therefore, the correct understanding is that the impedance of a capacitor actually decreases with increasing frequency, making this a critical concept in AC circuit analysis and electrical engineering.

It’s important to remember that capacitors allow alternating current to pass more easily at higher frequencies, which is why their impedance decreases; thus, during electrical system design and analysis, this property is essential for predicting how a system will behave over a range of frequencies.