Energy Dissipation in Capacitor for AC Current: Explored

AI Thread Summary
Energy dissipation in capacitors under AC current is contingent on the definition of energy dissipation. In an AC circuit, capacitors charge to a specific voltage and can act as a voltage source after the AC source is removed, eventually discharging over time. Unlike resistors, ideal capacitors do not dissipate power as heat; instead, they store energy in an electrostatic field. This distinction highlights that while capacitors can release energy, they do not experience energy loss in the same manner as resistors. Understanding these differences is crucial for analyzing AC circuits effectively.
agentas
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Do we really have energy dissipation in capacitor for AC current?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well that depends on what exactly do you mean by energy dissipation. For AC current applied to a capacitor, the voltage across it rises to a certain value and stays there. After we remove the AC source, the cap acts as a voltage source, supplying voltage for some time. Obviously it will discharge eventually.
Power dissipation, as in heat in the case of resistors, does not occur in ideal caps. They store energy in an electrostatic field, unlike resistors, which pass current and thus cannot store energy.
 

Similar threads

I Superconductivity energy saved v Cooling/Heating energy loss
Replies
4
Views
2K
I General Question about Dissipation of Energy
Replies
16
Views
2K
AC termination power calculation
Replies
16
Views
2K
Energy dissipation of steel washers
Replies
5
Views
2K
Two definitions of material dissipation factor
Replies
1
Views
2K
AC power loss in lossy dielectric (capacitor) with DC-bias field
Replies
4
Views
2K
I How long would a tuning fork vibrate in vacuum?
Replies
27
Views
3K
I Why high Q factors have low phase noise
Replies
13
Views
22K
What are these possible heat dissipation tubes?
Replies
11
Views
1K
A Wave energy dissipated due to geometry
Replies
9
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top