Exactly what does a Cap Do?

Question

I hear these things like People Buying a Cap for there Batterys when they install there Amps for there Subs. Exactly what does this CAP do?

Answer 1

Of recent times, the technology for making caps (capacitors) has allowed the manufacture of very large capacity units.

The capacitor is basically a pair of metal plates separated by a dielectric (an insulator).

This arrangement has the property of storing an electrical charge (in this case, the battery supplies the charge).

Amps require VERY large currents at PEAK loads. Too much for the battery to supply. The capacitor, under these circumstances, discharges rapidly to provide a temporary fill- in current.

When the peak demand passes, the capacitor recharges, again rapidly, ready for the next heavy demand.

The necessity is born of the limitations the "standard" 12V. car electrical system displays when asked to do "too much".

Answer 2

The cap stores power for your amps when they need them for big bass or out puts that make them pull more power so the are a good Idea ...If you have a good system and the  bass hits you should notice that the lights dim and the cap would stop that depending on the size cap you use and how big your system is