- #1
MasonJ1989
- 17
- 2
How does this voltage multiplier work?
- Thread starter MasonJ1989
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the operation of a voltage multiplier, specifically the Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier, and addresses misconceptions about current flow and grounding in electrical circuits.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions how current can travel in a circuit if it meets ground, suggesting a misunderstanding of current flow.
- Another participant clarifies that voltage is a difference between two points and that the ground symbol is an arbitrary reference point, emphasizing that current flows in a closed path.
- A later reply suggests looking up the Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier, explaining that capacitors charge on alternate half-cycles, effectively acting like high-voltage cells in series.
- One participant challenges the notion that electricity always seeks to go to ground, using the example of measuring voltage between a battery's positive terminal and a grounded metal pipe, which shows 0V.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the concept of grounding and current flow, with some clarifications provided but no consensus reached on the initial misconceptions.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of voltage and current flow, as well as the implications of grounding in circuit analysis.
- #2
MasonJ1989
- 17
- 2
- #3
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MasonJ1989 said:
No that is a misconception. Voltages are always voltage difference between two points. The ground symbol just identifies the arbitrary place that we label zero volts. If you always remember to name the two points where you measure voltage, then you can remove the ground symbol from the circuit.
The important thing to remember is that current always flows in a closed path, back to the point where it started.
- #4
MasonJ1989
- 17
- 2
anorlunda said:
That's useful thank you
- #5
Guineafowl
- 910
- 418
Look up ‘Cockroft-Walton voltage multiplier’. The caps are charged on alternate half-cycles and end up behaving like high-voltage cells in series. The high voltage output is between 4Us and the ground symbol.MasonJ1989 said:
And delete the concept that ‘electricity always wants to go to ground’ from your cortex... Check the voltage between a battery +ve and a grounded metal pipe. 0V.
