What is the purpose of connecting a resistor in the circuit?

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SUMMARY

The purpose of connecting a resistor in a circuit when charging a capacitor is to control the rate of charge, thereby managing the potential difference across the capacitor. While it is not strictly necessary to include a resistor for charging, doing so allows for a slower charge and discharge, which can prevent damage to components and ensure stability in the circuit. The discussion highlights that including resistance is beneficial for applications requiring gradual charge and discharge cycles.

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When charging the capacitor, what is the purpose of connecting a resistor in the circuit?

Is it to slow down the rate of charge entering the capacitor, therefore lowering the potential difference across it? I think that doesn't make sense. Or maybe to encourage the flow of current in the circuit, we must include a resistor in the circuit according to ohm's law?
 
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When charging the capacitor, it is not necessary to connect a resistor in the circuit.
If you want to charge or discharge the capacitor slowly, you have to include the resistance in the circuit.
 


rl.bhat said:
When charging the capacitor, it is not necessary to connect a resistor in the circuit.
If you want to charge or discharge the capacitor slowly, you have to include the resistance in the circuit.

Thanks rlbhat, as for discharging the circuit, is it true that the capacitor is required to 'draw' the charges out of the capacitor? Also for charging, what's the point for the capacitor to charge slower? What's the advantage of doing that?
 

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