What is the term for the capacity of a cable to hold an electrical charge, measured in picofarads per foot?

The term for the capacity of a cable to hold an electrical charge is capacitance, which is measured in farads. Specifically, in the context of cables, capacitance is often expressed in picofarads per foot, which indicates how much charge the cable can store relative to its length.

Capacitance is a key factor in determining how a cable interacts with electrical signals, as it can affect signal quality and transmission, especially in high-frequency applications. A higher capacitance can lead to an increased potential for signal distortion or loss, making it important to account for this attribute in cable design and selection.

Other terms such as impedance, resistance, and inductance refer to different electrical properties. Impedance combines resistance and reactance in alternating current (AC) circuits, resistance measures how much a material opposes the flow of direct current (DC), and inductance relates to the ability of a conductor to store energy in a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone working with audio-visual and signal transmission technologies.