Can a capacitor increase voltage beyond initial charge?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of increasing voltage in a capacitor circuit by separating the plates. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, according to the equations, the voltage will increase as the capacitance decreases and work is done to pull the plates apart. The voltage can potentially be higher than the initial source, but only after disconnecting the source and pulling the plates apart.
  • #1
Blackhawk4560
19
0
Question: If you charge a capacitor circuit and then separate the capacitor, does voltage increase beyond the initial source?

It seams counter intuitive that if you plug a 9 Volt battery into two metal plates and pull the plates apart that you'll get massive voltage spikes, but that's what the equations seem to point to...

You'll see a diagram of this attached,
Thanks for your time!
 

Attachments

  • Voltage Change.png
    Voltage Change.png
    19.4 KB · Views: 507
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Blackhawk4560 said:
t seams counter intuitive that if you plug a 9 Volt battery into two metal plates and pull the plates apart
Why counter-intuitive ? You yourself already write you need to pull (i.e. do work) the plates apart.

The capacitance decreases, so, in accordance with Q = CV the voltage must increase if the charge remains the same.

By the way, the guy's name is 'van de Graaff'
 
  • #3
Ohhhhhhhh I hadn't thought of that work being done... makes sense!

Can that lead to the voltage being HIGHER than the initial source? Or does it cap off at the voltage of the battery/van de GraAff?

Thanks again, blown away by that response time by the way!
 
  • #4
Blackhawk4560 said:
Can that lead to the voltage being HIGHER than the initial source
Yes. Of course, you first have to disconnect the voltage source before starting to pull on the plates.
 

Related to Can a capacitor increase voltage beyond initial charge?

1. Can a capacitor increase voltage without an external power source?

No, a capacitor cannot increase voltage without an external power source. Capacitors store electrical energy, but they do not create it. In order to increase voltage, a power source is needed to charge the capacitor.

2. Can a capacitor increase voltage beyond its initial charge?

Yes, a capacitor can increase voltage beyond its initial charge. When a capacitor is fully charged, it can hold a certain amount of electrical energy. By connecting the capacitor to a circuit with a higher voltage source, the capacitor can be charged to a higher voltage than its initial charge.

3. How does a capacitor increase voltage?

A capacitor increases voltage by storing electrical energy and releasing it when connected to a circuit. When a capacitor is connected to a circuit with a higher voltage source, the capacitor will be charged to a higher voltage, increasing its voltage.

4. Can a capacitor increase voltage indefinitely?

No, a capacitor cannot increase voltage indefinitely. As a capacitor charges and reaches its maximum voltage, it will become fully charged and will not be able to hold any more electrical energy. Attempting to increase the voltage beyond this point can damage the capacitor.

5. Are there any limitations to how much voltage a capacitor can increase?

Yes, there are limitations to how much voltage a capacitor can increase. The maximum voltage a capacitor can hold is determined by its capacitance, or the amount of electrical energy it can store. Attempting to charge a capacitor to a voltage higher than its maximum limit can cause it to fail or explode.

Similar threads

Let current from a Van de Graff generator flow through you
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
2K
Confused about electrostatic voltage and DC voltage
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
1K
Series capacitors and the amounts of charge on the plates.
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
22
Views
4K
Potential Energy and Force Between Capacitor Plates
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
6
Views
2K
Can You Charge a Polarized Capacitor with a Van de Graaff Generator?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
5K
Where does charge go in this van de Graaff generator?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
4
Views
6K
Troubleshooting a homemade Van de Graaff machine
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
20
Views
3K
Understanding capacitor behaviour (fully )
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
20
Views
10K
I Leyden Jars increase spark length?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
2K
Does Separating the Plates of a Capacitor Affect Its Charge?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top