Capacitor & AC: Questions Answered

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SUMMARY

AC current flows through a capacitor due to the phenomenon known as "displacement current," which allows for the transfer of energy despite the lack of physical continuity between the capacitor's plates. The impedance of a capacitor varies with frequency, contrary to the concept of resistance, which remains constant. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the behavior of capacitors in AC circuits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of AC circuits
  • Familiarity with capacitor function and design
  • Knowledge of impedance and its relation to frequency
  • Concept of displacement current in electrical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "displacement current in capacitors" for a deeper understanding
  • Study "AC circuit analysis" to see practical applications
  • Explore "impedance vs. resistance" in electrical components
  • Learn about "capacitor frequency response" and its implications
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Electrical engineers, students studying circuit theory, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of capacitor behavior in AC applications.

ragavcit
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HI,
How come an AC flows through a capacitor when there is no continuity inbetween its plates??how come the resistance offered by a capacitor changes with frequency??
 
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In 2 words: "displacement current". That should get you started.

Claude
 
ragavcit said:
HI,
How come an AC flows through a capacitor when there is no continuity inbetween its plates??how come the resistance offered by a capacitor changes with frequency??

This should help as an introduction: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor

And as I mentioned in your nearby Inductor thread, it's the "impedance" that changes with frequency, not its "resistance".
 

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