Jump In The Capacitor Voltage?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of capacitor voltage during charging, emphasizing that while voltage is continuous, it cannot instantaneously jump due to the finite speed of electron flow. The equation for charge, q = CV, indicates that charging a capacitor requires time, as charge is the product of current and time (q = it). The concept of a step function voltage is introduced, which can charge a capacitor rapidly but not instantaneously, reinforcing the principle that infinite current is not feasible in practical scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor charging principles
  • Familiarity with the equation q = CV
  • Knowledge of current and time relationship in electrical circuits
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics related to charge
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of step function voltage on capacitor behavior
  • Explore the finite speed of electron flow in electrical circuits
  • Learn about quantum mechanics and its effects on charge quantization
  • Study the practical limitations of charging capacitors in real-world applications
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the principles of capacitor behavior and charging dynamics.

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I know that voltage of a capacitor is continuous. However, I want to learn that; can it be a jump in the capacitor voltage? Also, if it is, how it can be happened?
 
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Classically, to charge a capacitor requires current. To charge a capacitor in zero time requires infinite current, which is not possible. I could imagine that if the charging were very fast, it might be reasonable to approximate it as an instantaneous jump in voltage.

But charge is quantized. I wonder what happens in the quantum mechanical case. :confused:
 
charge on a capacitor is given by q = CV...there is superficially no time here ...BUT

atyy's explanation is a good one: charge is the result of the flow of electrons which have have finite, not instantaneous speed...in fact charge in coulombs is given by q=it...amps times time...so in this formulation you can see...charging takes some "t"...



in fact a step function (square wave) voltage will charge it really,really,fast...but not instantaneously...
 

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