Charging a capacitor in a tesla coil

AI Thread Summary
Charging a capacitor using AC voltage in a Tesla coil context raises questions due to the rapid voltage switching at 60Hz, which seems insufficient for charging. However, the discussion reveals that it is not purely AC but rather pulsed DC that allows for effective charging. Capacitors designed for high frequencies can charge quickly and discharge slowly, overcoming the limitations of standard capacitors. The conversation highlights the importance of using appropriate capacitors for high-frequency applications in Tesla coils. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective capacitor operation in such circuits.
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Can somebody explain how it is possible to charge a capacitor using ac voltage? The way I see it is the capacitor wouldn't have time to charge as the voltage is constantly switching. In the case of 60Hz - 120 times a second.
I have attached a schematic of a tesla coil which is how I come to think about it.
 

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and if the cap charges quickly but discharges slowly...
 
I have made some enquiries and it appears that it is not AC voltage but rather pulsed DC.
 
You have the same issue - when the pulse is low the cap can discharge.
 
Simon Bridge said:
You have the same issue - when the pulse is low the cap can discharge.

Your right. It must be a capacitor which operates at high frequencies. I don't have any practical experience so I never new such capacitors were available until I had a look around the net.
 

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It may be shown from the equations of electromagnetism, by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860’s, that the speed of light in the vacuum of free space is related to electric permittivity (ϵ) and magnetic permeability (μ) by the equation: c=1/√( μ ϵ ) . This value is a constant for the vacuum of free space and is independent of the motion of the observer. It was this fact, in part, that led Albert Einstein to Special Relativity.
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