How Does Charge Addition Affect Capacitor Potential in a Circuit with Resistors and Battery?

In summary, potential difference between the plates of a capacitor increases when positive or negative charges are added due to the ratio of charge and potential difference being constant. The existence of capacitors has an effect on a circuit, causing the current to increase and decay slowly. Potential is measured in volts, which is the amount of work done on a unit charge in moving it through an electric field. This unit is often misunderstood and there is no absolute potential. It is important to refer to formal physics books for accurate definitions rather than online forums.
  • #1
lakshmi
36
0
how does the potential increases on adding positive charges and decreases on adding negative charges.
why does the the existence of capacitor does not have any effect in a circuit with resistors and battery
 
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  • #2
If you add charges, negative or positive, the potential difference between the plates of a capacitor increases. The reason is that always an equal charge of opposite sign in induced on a plate whenever you put a charge on another of the plates. So, since the ratio of charge and potential diff. is the constant ( and equal to capacitance ), the potential diff also increases.

Existence of capacitors has an effect on the circuit. The current increses slowly and decays slowly etc.

spacetime
www.geocities.com/physics_all
 
  • #3
trouble

I have got into trouble before for this reply -- it is however true.
Potential is a very odd unit -- it is the amount of work done on a unit charge ( e.g. an electron ) in moving it thru an electric field from one place to another. the unit is therefore work ( joules ) per unit charge. specifically it is the work done in moving the unit charge from an infinite distance to the one under consideration. ( this is a precise definition )
It follows that if you move more than one charge then the potential is proportional to the number of charges . ( it just takes more work )
We have more misunderstanding of this unit than almost any other , because it envokes all sorts of images -- most of which are not true.
for instance volts are NOT a force . potential is not like temperature
there is NO absolute potemtial .
Because there are many definitions of the volt ( to do with how it maybe measured ) it is a really confusing situation.
However there is only ONE definition if you look at the units implied ( see dimensional analysis ) the basic metric is MKS -- meter kilogram second -- to which we have to ADD charge ( because it does not belong to the others ).
This is why the measure of potential includes our normal metric but adds charge.
What I am talking about here is the formal definition , NOT peoples idea of what this means . So take care and read up on any formal physics book for this definition.
My personal advice is NEVER look up a 'forum' for definitions , they are full of peoples opinions which for the most part are innaccurate , and totally biassed -- anybody who has the gall to call themselves a ' super mentor '
should be shot !
I do not know if this helps -- but it was a 'try'
 

1. What is potential in a capacitor?

Potential in a capacitor refers to the difference in electric potential between the two plates of the capacitor. It is measured in volts (V) and represents the energy stored in the capacitor due to the separation of charges.

2. How is potential in a capacitor calculated?

The potential in a capacitor can be calculated using the formula V = Q/C, where V is the potential difference, Q is the charge stored on the capacitor, and C is the capacitance of the capacitor.

3. What factors affect the potential in a capacitor?

The potential in a capacitor is affected by the amount of charge stored on the plates, the distance between the plates, and the material of the dielectric between the plates. It is also influenced by the voltage of the charging source.

4. What is the difference between potential in a capacitor and voltage?

Potential in a capacitor and voltage are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Potential refers to the energy stored in the capacitor, while voltage is the measurement of potential difference between two points in a circuit, such as the two plates of a capacitor.

5. How does potential in a capacitor affect the overall circuit?

The potential in a capacitor plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of the capacitor and its effect on the overall circuit. It influences the rate at which the capacitor can charge and discharge, and can also affect the overall voltage and current in the circuit.

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