Can a capacitor still function without both plates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functionality of a capacitor when one of its plates is removed, particularly in the context of a parallel plate capacitor connected to a battery. Participants explore the implications of charge induction and the concept of an open circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the scenario where opposite and equal charge is not induced on the second conductor of a parallel plate capacitor when connected to a battery.
  • Another participant asserts that this situation would result in an open circuit.
  • A further participant defines an open circuit as one that is not complete, referencing a definition from Google.
  • One participant argues that if the second plate is removed, the first plate can still function as a capacitor with a disconnected conductor, though the capacitance would be very small, effectively making it negligible in practical terms.
  • This participant suggests that, while charges would still move, the system could be treated as an open circuit due to the minimal capacitance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of removing one plate from a capacitor, with some suggesting it can still function in a limited capacity while others emphasize the open circuit nature of the scenario. No consensus is reached regarding the practical implications of this configuration.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the behavior of charges in the absence of one plate and the definition of capacitance in this context. The discussion does not clarify the exact conditions under which the described scenarios would hold true.

kartikwat
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What would have been if the opposite and equal charge wouldn't have been induce on 2nd conductor in parallel plate capacitor when connected to a battery
 
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Then you would have an open circuit.
 
Open circuit means
 
kartikwat said:
Open circuit means

From Google Search --- which you should learn how to use.

o·pen cir·cuit
noun
noun: open circuit; plural noun: open circuits

an electrical circuit that is not complete.
 
kartikwat said:
What would have been if the opposite and equal charge wouldn't have been induce on 2nd conductor in parallel plate capacitor when connected to a battery

This can't really happen. Let's imagine that we remove the 2nd plate from the capacitor and leave the 1st plate behind. We will also leave the conductor that used to connect to the 2nd plate disconnected. In this case you will still have a capacitor, as charges will move onto/off of the plate AND the end of the disconnected conductor until the field between them completely opposes the applied voltage. But since the conductor is much smaller than a plate, the capacitance is very, very small. So small that for all purposes you might as well not even consider it a capacitor. Just consider it an open in the circuit.
 

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