Basic electrical units: A capacitor’s capacitance is measured in which unit?

Introduction / Context:
In electronics, knowing the correct units for fundamental components is essential. Capacitors store electric charge; their ability to do so is quantified by a specific SI unit that appears throughout circuit design and analysis.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are identifying the SI unit associated with capacitance, not voltage, current, or resistance.
• No special context like reactive power is implied.

Concept / Approach:

Capacitance (C) is defined as stored charge per unit voltage: C = Q / V. The SI unit of charge is the coulomb and of voltage is the volt, so the SI unit of capacitance is coulomb per volt, named the farad (F). Practical capacitors are commonly rated in microfarads (uF), nanofarads (nF), or picofarads (pF) due to the large size of one farad in real-world components.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Datasheets denote capacitance in F, uF, nF, or pF; LCR meters display measured capacitance in these units, confirming the standard.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Volts: Unit of electric potential difference.
• Ohms / Resistance: Unit and quantity of opposition to current flow, not storage of charge.
• None of the above: Incorrect because farad is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing microfarads with millifarads; misreading capacitor codes; ignoring polarity on electrolytics where applicable.

Final Answer:

Farads