What does the curved line on the capacitor symbol represent?

The curved line on the capacitor symbol represents the plate to which the common portion of the circuit is connected. In capacitor symbols, the curved side often indicates the positively charged plate, while the straight line represents the negatively charged plate. The curvature helps visually distinguish the two plates and shows how the capacitor is oriented in relation to the rest of the circuit. This is critical for understanding how capacitors function in circuits, including their role in storing electric charge and their placement in AC or DC applications.

In practical terms, understanding this arrangement is essential for electrical work, as it affects circuit functionality. Recognizing how the capacitor is connected within a circuit can clarify circuit behavior, especially in terms of timing, filtering, and energy storage.