Basic electrical units – Capacitance is measured in which SI unit?

Introduction / Context:
Knowing SI units is fundamental to electronics. Capacitance quantifies a component’s ability to store electric charge relative to voltage, and it appears in timing circuits, filters, power supplies, and RF networks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are identifying the SI unit associated with capacitance.
• Standard relationships between charge, voltage, and current apply.
• No trick context—straight definition.

Concept / Approach:

Capacitance C is defined by C = Q / V, where Q is charge in coulombs and V is voltage in volts. The SI unit derived from this definition is the farad (F). Practical capacitors are often specified in microfarads (µF), nanofarads (nF), or picofarads (pF) since one farad is a large unit for discrete components.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Dimensional analysis: 1 F = 1 C/V = 1 s/ohm. Data sheets for capacitors list values in µF, nF, or pF, confirming industry usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Volts and amps measure electrical potential and current, not capacitance. “Neutrinos” and “anti-neutrinos” are subatomic particles and irrelevant to SI electrical units.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing capacitance with capacitive reactance (measured in ohms); misreading datasheets where voltage rating (V) is listed alongside capacitance (F).

Final Answer:

Farads.