How is "capacity" defined in the context of air filter media?

In the context of air filter media, "capacity" is defined as the amount of contaminant the media can remove. This definition emphasizes the filter's effectiveness in trapping particles, aerosols, and other pollutants from the air that passes through it. Understanding the contaminant removal capacity is crucial because it determines how long a filter will perform effectively before needing replacement.

By focusing on the filter's ability to retain contaminants, this definition highlights the role of the filter in maintaining air quality and ensuring that it can meet specific standards for filtration efficiency. Thus, assessing capacity gives an indication of how much dirt and other particles the filter can handle over its operational life before becoming saturated or less effective.

The other choices do not accurately represent the capacity in this context. For instance, maximum airflow pertains more to the filter's performance characteristics rather than its contaminant removal capabilities. The duration of filter operation is linked to service life, while the physical size refers to the dimensions of the media, which do not inherently convey its ability to capture contaminants.