Capacitor and Time Varying Potential

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of a capacitor when one region of electric potential remains constant while the other changes according to a sinusoidal formula. It is noted that the charge on the capacitor and the voltage of Va are out of phase, and the behavior of the values is sinusoidal if the source of the change is also sinusoidal. The behavior of the net voltage can also be taken into account.
  • #1
Apteronotus
202
0
Hi

Suppose you have two regions of electric potential Va and Vb separated by a capacitor.
If Va remains constant and we change Vb according to some time varying formula, a sinusoid say, then
1. How does the charge on the capacitor charge?
2. How does Va change with time?Va ------||-------Vb
 
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  • #2
I forgot a bit about AC systems, but Vb and the capacitor charge are probably out phase by some value. Something to note is that if the source of the change is sinusoidal, then so is the behavior of the respective values (at least for current, voltage, inductance, and capacitance). If Va is a constant source, then the voltage of that source remains the same; you could take into account the net voltage, in which the change (which is due to a sinusoidally changing Vb) is sinusoidal.
 
  • #3
Thank you for your reply.
 

1. What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy by accumulating opposite charges on two conductors separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric.

2. How does a capacitor work?

A capacitor works by allowing electrons to collect on one plate of the capacitor while an equal number of electrons are removed from the other plate. This creates an electric potential difference between the two plates, which can be used to store energy.

3. What is the relationship between a capacitor and time-varying potential?

A capacitor is commonly used in circuits with time-varying potential, such as alternating current (AC) circuits. The capacitor is able to store energy from the changing potential and release it when needed, helping to regulate the flow of electricity through the circuit.

4. How is the capacitance of a capacitor calculated?

The capacitance of a capacitor can be calculated by dividing the amount of charge stored on one plate by the potential difference between the plates. It is also affected by the distance between the plates, the surface area of the plates, and the type of dielectric material used.

5. What are some practical applications of capacitors?

Capacitors have many practical applications, including storing energy in electronic devices, power factor correction in AC circuits, and filtering out noise in electronic signals. They are also used in touch screens, audio equipment, and power supplies.

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