In a circuit with a -5V emf, a 5-ohm resistor, and a 20 F capacitor, the current is influenced by the capacitor's behavior. Initially, when a steady emf is applied, the capacitor affects the current, but after some time, it either stops current flow or has no effect. If the emf is alternating current (AC), the situation becomes more complex, as the capacitor will block direct current (DC) after a certain period. The configuration of the circuit (series or parallel) also plays a crucial role in determining how the capacitor interacts with the current. Understanding these dynamics is essential for analyzing circuit behavior effectively.