Capacitor and displacement current.

In summary, when a capacitor is being charged across a dc source with an ammeter, the ammeter will show a momentary deflection due to the voltage build up on the capacitor. This is caused by the opposition of the capacitor's voltage to that of the dc source, and the resulting decay of current in the circuit. The charge build up on the capacitor will cause the current to decrease exponentially with time, resulting in a momentary deflection on the ammeter.
  • #1
altamashghazi
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0

Homework Statement



a capacitor of capacitance 'C' is being charged across a dc source with an ammeter . will the ammeter show a momentary deflection during the process of charging? if so, how would it and the resulting continuity of current in the circuit be explained ?

Homework Equations



maxwell's displacement current equation

The Attempt at a Solution



continuity is bcoz conduction +displacement current is same everywhere in circuit but what about momentary deflection ?
 
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  • #2
You basically have a RC circuit with very little resistance so that the voltage over the capacitor , VC,will build up very fast during the charging process according to

VC = E(1 - e-t/RC)

where E is the emf of the dc source. The voltage of the capacitor opposes that of the dc source and the current will stop when the two voltages are the same - that is the charging process stops. The charge build up on the capacitor will be

q = CVC

so that the current will be decaying exponentially with time

i = dq/dt = E/R e-t/RC
 

Related to Capacitor and displacement current.

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electric charge and energy. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric. When a voltage is applied, one plate accumulates positive charge while the other accumulates negative charge, creating an electric field between them.

What is the function of a capacitor?

The main function of a capacitor is to store electrical energy. It can also be used to block direct current (DC) while allowing alternating current (AC) to pass through, filter out unwanted signals, and smooth out fluctuations in a circuit's voltage.

What is displacement current?

Displacement current is a concept in electromagnetism that describes the flow of electric charge that is not carried by moving electrons, but is due to the changing electric field in a region of space. It was first introduced by James Clerk Maxwell in his theory of electromagnetism.

How is displacement current related to a capacitor?

In a capacitor, displacement current is the flow of charge between the two plates through the insulating material. When a capacitor is charging or discharging, the electric field between the plates changes, causing displacement current to flow. This current is necessary for the capacitor to function and store energy.

What is the difference between displacement current and conduction current?

Displacement current is a type of electric current that is due to the changing electric field in a region of space, while conduction current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. Displacement current does not involve the movement of physical particles, while conduction current is carried by moving charged particles such as electrons.

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