How does a voltage doubler work?

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A voltage doubler circuit increases the output voltage to approximately twice the input voltage when a jumper is inserted. This is achieved through the use of capacitors and diodes that store and transfer energy effectively. The circuit operates by charging a capacitor during one phase of the AC cycle and then discharging it to the output during another phase, effectively doubling the voltage. For a deeper understanding, reviewing resources like the Wikipedia article on voltage multipliers is recommended. Engaging with specific questions can further clarify any confusion regarding the circuit's operation.
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Hi, I have this voltage doubler circuit that we built in lab:

voltagedoubler.jpg


We're told that, with the jumper inserted, the output voltage is about twice as great as without the jumper. We didn't need to prove this theoretically, but for my own curiosity, I was wondering if someone could give a clear, thorough explanation of why this works. When I search online, I see circuits that are similar but not quite the same, and kind of short answers that I don't quite understand. Thanks!
 
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