Variable capacitors typically consist of a set of metal plates with variable spacing or a rotating plate mechanism. As the plates move, the capacitance of the capacitor changes, affecting the resonant frequency of the circuit. This allows the user to manually adjust the tuning of the radio to receive different stations.
In many radio designs, variable capacitors are used in conjunction with inductors to form tuned circuits, known as resonant circuits or LC circuits. These circuits create a narrow frequency band that passes the desired radio signal while rejecting others, enhancing the selectivity of the radio.
Variable capacitors are crucial for achieving precise and stable tuning in radios, allowing users to select and listen to specific radio stations across different frequency bands.