The purpose of discharging a capacitor through a resistor and uncharged capacitor is to remove any residual charge from the capacitor. This is important in order to safely handle the capacitor and to prepare it for future use.
When a charged capacitor is connected to a resistor and an uncharged capacitor in series, the resistor acts as a current limiter and slows down the discharge process. The uncharged capacitor acts as a "sink" for the charge, allowing it to dissipate evenly and completely. This allows the capacitor to discharge safely without causing damage.
Yes, it is possible to discharge a capacitor through a resistor without using an uncharged capacitor. However, this method may not fully dissipate the charge and can result in a dangerous residual charge remaining in the capacitor.
In most cases, it is recommended to discharge a capacitor through a resistor and uncharged capacitor in order to safely handle and store the capacitor. However, if the charge is low and the capacitor is not being handled, discharging may not be necessary.
The time it takes to discharge a capacitor through a resistor and uncharged capacitor depends on the capacitance and initial charge of the capacitor, as well as the resistance of the resistor. It can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes for the capacitor to fully discharge.