Need help with voltage across a capacitor in a DC circuit

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SUMMARY

In a DC RC circuit, the voltage across a capacitor is not always considered negative; it depends on the direction of current flow. When current flows with the direction of voltage, it results in a voltage drop, which is represented as negative. Conversely, when the current flows against the voltage, it is considered positive. The discussion emphasizes that current flows during both the charging and discharging phases of the capacitor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RC circuits
  • Knowledge of voltage and current relationships
  • Familiarity with capacitor charging and discharging behavior
  • Basic circuit schematic interpretation skills
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  • Study the principles of voltage drop in DC circuits
  • Learn about capacitor charging and discharging cycles
  • Explore circuit schematic design and analysis
  • Investigate the differences between DC and AC circuits
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Electronics students, electrical engineers, and hobbyists working with DC circuits and capacitors.

Blockade
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In a RC circuit is voltage through a capacitor always consider negative no matter if you're going with or against the current when setting up a voltage equation?
 
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Short answer no.

Travelling with the current the voltage is negative (eg a Voltage drop). Against it, positive.
 
PS is this a DC or AC circuit?
 
CWatters said:
PS is this a DC or AC circuit?
It's a DC. We will not be covering AC until a couple more weeks.
 
Ok in which case there is only current flowing while the capacitor is charging.
 
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My understanding is current could also flow when the capacitor is discharging.
 
oops yes that as well.
 
Blockade said:
In a RC circuit is voltage through a capacitor always consider negative no matter if you're going with or against the current when setting up a voltage equation?
I don't know what you mean by the wording of your question. It would be better if you came up with some schematics on which you can base your question.
 

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