Charging a capacitor in a tesla coil

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of charging a capacitor using AC voltage in the context of a Tesla coil. Participants explore the feasibility of this process, considering the frequency of the AC signal and the behavior of the capacitor during charging and discharging cycles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how a capacitor can charge with AC voltage, noting that the constant switching of voltage at 60Hz may not allow sufficient time for charging.
  • Another participant suggests that if the capacitor charges quickly but discharges slowly, it may still function effectively.
  • A different participant proposes that the voltage used may not be AC but rather pulsed DC, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the voltage type involved.
  • Concerns are raised about the capacitor discharging when the pulse is low, which could affect its ability to maintain charge.
  • One participant acknowledges the existence of capacitors that operate at high frequencies, indicating a lack of prior knowledge about such components.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether AC voltage can effectively charge a capacitor and the implications of using pulsed DC instead. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to charging a capacitor in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions regarding the behavior of capacitors at different frequencies or the specific characteristics of the voltage source being discussed.

p75213
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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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