Does an Electron Decrease Capacitor Voltage by Adding to Positive Charge?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effect of an electron's movement between capacitor plates on voltage. When an electron is released between two charged plates, it moves towards the positive plate, effectively reducing the overall voltage across the capacitor. This occurs because the electron's negative charge adds to the positive charge on the plate, which is defined by the imbalance of protons and electrons. The concept of "positive charge" is clarified as the absence of electrons in the solid lattice structure of the plate, leading to a net positive charge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic capacitor theory, including capacitance (C) and voltage (V).
  • Familiarity with electric charge concepts, specifically positive and negative charges.
  • Knowledge of atomic structure, particularly the roles of protons and electrons.
  • Basic grasp of electrostatics and charge movement in electric fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between charge, voltage, and capacitance in capacitors.
  • Explore the concept of electric fields and their influence on charge movement.
  • Investigate the behavior of electrons in conductive materials and their impact on charge distribution.
  • Learn about the role of ions in electrical systems and how they contribute to charge balance.
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of capacitors and charge dynamics in electrical circuits.

anhnha
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I saw this section somewhere in the forum:

Picture 2 plates charged to a voltage V, w/ capacitance C. Of course Q = C*V. An electron is placed in between the plates & released, & it moves towards the positive plate. Said electron with its negative charge now adds to the positive charge already on the plate resulting in a decrease in the cap voltage.

Can you help me understand the bold part?
What does "positive charge" mean here? I think it should be "positive ion".
 
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anhnha said:
I saw this section somewhere in the forum:

Picture 2 plates charged to a voltage V, w/ capacitance C. Of course Q = C*V. An electron is placed in between the plates & released, & it moves towards the positive plate. Said electron with its negative charge now adds to the positive charge already on the plate resulting in a decrease in the cap voltage.

Can you help me understand the bold part?
What does "positive charge" mean here? I think it should be "positive ion".

while that would be a specific example of how to get a positive charge, it is not the only way.
the plate is a solid lattice made up of protons and electrons.
to be positive, it must have fewer electrons than protons.
in the model being used here, the "missing electron" is treated as an isolated positive charge that is free to move around.
 

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