Capacitor discharge vs. Pole relaxation

In summary, pole relaxation and capacitor discharge are two different ways of measuring the amount of time it takes for a capacitor to return to its relaxed state or get rid of excess charge. While pole relaxation measures the time it takes for the polarization of charges to return to its relaxed state, capacitor discharge measures the time it takes for excess charge to be eliminated. However, there can be confusion when using an oscilloscope and DC power supply to measure these times, as the displayed time can either be the discharge time or the relaxation time depending on the setup and conditions.
  • #1
Christian Hernandez
I'm trying to understand the difference between these two when it comes to measuring the amount of time they take.
As of right now, my current understanding is that pole relaxation is based on the amount of time that it takes for polarization of the charges to go back to its relaxed state.
For capacitor discharge, its the amount of time it takes for time to excess charge to be gotten rid of.

What confuses me is when measuring both of these for a capacitor, using an oscilloscope and a DC power supply. When I apply a voltage to a capacitor and then un-apply it, is the time shown on the oscilloscope the amount it takes to discharge or the amount it takes to for the charges to relax.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Discharge. An ideal capacitor will hold charge indefinitely. A real capacitor has some leakage between the plates and of course some leaks out through the oscilloscope probes. In some cases even the very high resistance of the PCB or breadboard a capacitor is mounted on can form a significant discharge path.
 

1. What is the difference between capacitor discharge and pole relaxation?

Capacitor discharge and pole relaxation are two different methods used to discharge a capacitor. In capacitor discharge, the capacitor is rapidly discharged through a circuit, while in pole relaxation, the capacitor is discharged by connecting it to a resistive load.

2. Which method is more efficient in discharging a capacitor?

In general, capacitor discharge is more efficient than pole relaxation. This is because in capacitor discharge, the discharge time can be controlled and the capacitor can be discharged completely. In pole relaxation, the discharge time is longer and the capacitor may not be fully discharged.

3. What are the advantages of using capacitor discharge?

Capacitor discharge has several advantages over pole relaxation. Firstly, it is faster and more efficient in discharging the capacitor. It also allows for better control of the discharge time, making it more precise. Additionally, capacitor discharge can be used to discharge large capacitors, while pole relaxation is more suitable for smaller capacitors.

4. When is pole relaxation preferred over capacitor discharge?

Pole relaxation is preferred over capacitor discharge in situations where a slow and controlled discharge is desired. This is because pole relaxation has a longer discharge time, allowing for a more gradual decrease in voltage. It is also useful for discharging capacitors with smaller values, as capacitor discharge may be too fast and cause damage to the capacitor.

5. Are there any safety concerns when using capacitor discharge or pole relaxation?

Yes, there are safety concerns when working with capacitors and both capacitor discharge and pole relaxation methods. Capacitors can hold a large amount of charge and can cause electric shock if not handled properly. It is important to discharge the capacitor before handling it. Additionally, high voltages can be generated during the discharge process, so appropriate safety measures should be taken.

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