AC Applied to a capacitor and dielectric effects?

AI Thread Summary
An electrolytic capacitor connected to two AC sources that are 180 degrees out of phase exhibits unexpected behavior, resembling a bridge rectifier output, with one plate showing positive pulses and the other negative. This phenomenon occurs because electrolytic capacitors are not designed for AC voltage and can act like rectifiers when current is limited to the nanoamp range. High impedance restricts current flow, preventing damage that typically occurs with larger currents. For further understanding of this effect and the implications of applying AC to electrolytic capacitors, additional resources are available, including a Wikipedia article on the topic. The discussion highlights the unique characteristics and limitations of electrolytic capacitors in AC applications.
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Hi all,

An electrolytic capacitor has 2 AC sources connected to it, 1 at each plate. The AC sources are 180 degrees out of phase and have a high impedance which limits current in the nA range. Even though each plate should have AC on it which is 180 out of phase the voltage at each plate looks identical to the output of a bridge rectifier. One plate has all positive pulses while the other plate has all negative pusles.
Can anyone explain to me why this is happening or how it could even be possible?
 
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The problem might be the electrolytic capacitor.

These are not built to take AC voltage and may act like a rectifier if the current through them is restricted.

Normally, if large currents can flow, applying AC to an electrolytic capacitor will destroy it.
 
Awesome, is there anywhere where I can find more information or read more about this effect?

-Thanks in advance!
 
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