Charging and discharging capacitor

In summary, the conversation discusses the observations made during a laboratory experiment in physics involving a charged and uncharged capacitor. The following observations were made:1. When a bulb was connected in a circuit with a 4.5V potential source, it turned on with a bright, continuous light.2. During charging, when the bulb was connected to three capacitors in parallel and a compass along the circuit, the bulb blinked once with a weak/low light and the compass needle moved clockwise.3. During discharging, when the potential source was disconnected and the circuit was closed, the bulb blinked once with a strong/bright light and the compass needle moved counter-clockwise.4. When the ammeter was connected across the capacitors in
  • #1
delapcsoncruz
20
0
I need some help on the interpretation of our laboratory experiment in physics.
In our lab experiment we charged and uncharged a capacitor. And here are the things we observe.

1. when one bulb was connected in a circuit across a 4.5 V potential source, the bulb turned on with a bright continuous light.

2. charging: when the bulb was connected to the three capacitors in a parallel and a compass along the circuit, the bulb blinks once with a weak/low light and the needle of the compass moves clockwise.

3. discharging: when the potential source was disconnected and the circuit was closed, the bulb blinks once with a strong/bright light and the needle of the compass moves counter-clockwise.

4. charging: when the ammeter was connected across the capacitors in the circuit composed of light bulb and compass, the needle of the ammeter goes to its maximum and returns gradually with a slow motion down to zero, and there are no reactions with the bulb and the compass.

5. discharging: when the potential source was disconnected and the circuit was closed, the ammeter goes to its maximum and returns gradually with a faster motion down to zero, and there are no reactions with the bulb and the compass.

6. charging: when the voltmeter was connected across the capacitors in the circuit composed of light bulb and compass, the voltmeter reading was 8.8V, the bulb blinks once with a low/weak light and the needle of the compass turns clockwise.

7. after disconnecting the potential source, the voltmeter reading remains.

8. discharging: when the potential source was disconnected from the circuit and the circuit was closed, the needle of the voltmeter turns back fast to zero, the bulb blinks once with a strong/bright light and the needle of the compass turns counter-clockwise.

please explain why these observations happen ...
 
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  • #2
First give your interpretations of each.
 

1. What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in the form of an electric charge. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric.

2. How does a capacitor charge?

A capacitor charges when a voltage is applied across its plates. This causes electrons to accumulate on one plate and be depleted from the other, creating an electric field between the plates. As the capacitor charges, the voltage across its plates increases.

3. How does a capacitor discharge?

A capacitor discharges when the voltage across its plates is removed or reduced. This causes the electric field between the plates to collapse, and the stored charge to flow from one plate to the other. The rate at which a capacitor discharges is determined by its capacitance and the resistance in the circuit.

4. What are the factors that affect the charging and discharging of a capacitor?

The factors that affect the charging and discharging of a capacitor include its capacitance, the voltage applied across its plates, the resistance in the circuit, and the type of dielectric material used. A higher capacitance and lower resistance will result in a faster charging and discharging process.

5. How is a capacitor used in electronic circuits?

Capacitors have a wide range of applications in electronic circuits. They can be used to store energy, filter out unwanted signals, and stabilize voltage levels. They are commonly used in power supplies, audio equipment, and electronic devices such as smartphones and computers.

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