AC Applied to a capacitor and dielectric effects?

In summary, when an electrolytic capacitor has two AC sources connected to it, 180 degrees out of phase, the voltage at each plate looks identical to the output of a bridge rectifier. This can happen because electrolytic capacitors are not built to handle AC voltage and may act like a rectifier if the current is restricted. To learn more about this effect, you can read about it on Wikipedia under "polarity" in the electrolytic capacitor section.
  • #1
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Hi all,

An electrolytic capacitor has 2 AC sources connected to it, 1 at each plate. The AC sources are 180 degrees out of phase and have a high impedance which limits current in the nA range. Even though each plate should have AC on it which is 180 out of phase the voltage at each plate looks identical to the output of a bridge rectifier. One plate has all positive pulses while the other plate has all negative pusles.
Can anyone explain to me why this is happening or how it could even be possible?
 
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  • #2
The problem might be the electrolytic capacitor.

These are not built to take AC voltage and may act like a rectifier if the current through them is restricted.

Normally, if large currents can flow, applying AC to an electrolytic capacitor will destroy it.
 
  • #3
Awesome, is there anywhere where I can find more information or read more about this effect?

-Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #4

Related to AC Applied to a capacitor and dielectric effects?

1. What is AC applied to a capacitor?

AC, or alternating current, is a type of electrical current that periodically reverses direction. When this current is applied to a capacitor, it causes the capacitor to charge and discharge in a cyclical manner.

2. What is the purpose of applying AC to a capacitor?

The main purpose of applying AC to a capacitor is to store electrical energy. When the capacitor is charged, it stores energy in the form of an electric field. This stored energy can then be released when the capacitor discharges.

3. How does AC affect the behavior of a capacitor?

When AC is applied to a capacitor, it causes the capacitor to continuously charge and discharge. This results in a constantly changing voltage across the capacitor, as opposed to a steady voltage in a DC circuit.

4. What are dielectric effects in relation to AC applied to a capacitor?

Dielectric effects refer to the changes in capacitance that occur when a dielectric material is placed between the plates of a capacitor. When AC is applied, the dielectric material acts as an insulator, increasing the capacitance of the capacitor and allowing it to store more energy.

5. How do different types of dielectric materials affect the behavior of a capacitor under AC?

Different types of dielectric materials have varying levels of permittivity, which affects the capacitance of a capacitor. Therefore, using different dielectric materials can result in different levels of charge storage and discharge rates for a capacitor when AC is applied.

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