Submitted by Buford12 t3_10hy80k in askscience
Fit_Solution3312 t1_j5e6qeq wrote
Capacitors store energy in an electric field, resulting in a linear dependence of stored energy to cell voltage. You can also see this from the capacitor equation for stored energy Emax [Ws] = 0.5 * C [F or As/V] * U^2 [V^2]
Capacitors also do not age by cycling but by holding them at high voltages at high temperatures.
A should can see, capacitors are rated in Farad or Ampere-seconds per volt: it means that a 1 F capacitor will take 1 second at 1 A to charge to 1 V.
Batteries on the other hand depend on a chemical reaction which happens at one specific voltage - as long as there is enough chemicals still available to react, the voltage barely changes.
Batteries are rated in Ampere-hours, as their voltage is stable, meaning that at their given voltage, you can draw 1 Ampere for 1 hour from a battery rated at 1 Ah.
Batteries age by cycling, as the reactions are not 100% reversible.
Buford12 OP t1_j5el5xl wrote
Thanks , One more question, which device stores or produces the most energy per unit of mass.
Fit_Solution3312 t1_j5emk4j wrote
That would be Lithium ion batteries, if you want the device to be rechargeable.
Buford12 OP t1_j5emnrl wrote
thank you.
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