Charging a capacitor with a battery

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of charging and the flow of charges in a circuit. It is mentioned that the positive plate of a capacitor is at a higher potential than the negative plate, and conventional charge flows from the positive to the negative terminal, against the direction of potential difference. The idea of assigning potential to different points in a circuit is also mentioned. The conversation concludes with a suggestion to assign zero potential at the mid-point of the battery rather than the negative terminal.
  • #1
physics user1
How does it work? I mean I know all the stuff, there is difference in potential and the charges flows, my question is, does the negative terminal of the batteries suck charges or the charges flowing to the negative terminal are flowing because they are pushed by the charges induced on the plate by the other plate connected to the positive terminal? How does charging really work? If it doesn't suck the charges then we should be able to charge a capacitor by just connecting a plate to the positive terminal and the other to the ground, is that right?
 
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  • #2
Does your vacuum cleaner suck or does atmospheric pressure blow into the nozzle because less air than normal is present?
 
  • #3
jbriggs444 said:
Does your vacuum cleaner suck or does atmospheric pressure blow into the nozzle because less air than normal is present?

The last
 
  • #4
Cozma Alex said:
The last
What difference does it make, if any?
 
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  • #5
jbriggs444 said:
What difference does it make, if any?
None, So... the plate connected to the positive terminal charges, it induce an opposite charge on the other plate that now is at higher potential, and then charges flows from here to the negative terminal that is athe 0 potential, is that right? Cos that my analysis of the phenomenon using what you are suggesting, and how can the second plate be at higher potential f it is charged negatively? Actually the potential of it is lower than 0, but i know that charges flows from the plate to the negative terminal, why?
 
  • #6
Cozma Alex said:
None, So... the plate connected to the positive terminal charges, it induce an opposite charge on the other plate that now is at higher potential,
The positive plate (the one connected to the positive terminal) now is at a higher potential then the negative plate (the one connected to the negative terminal). Conventional charge has flowed onto the positive plate and off of the negative plate.

and then charges flows from here to the negative terminal that is athe 0 potential, is that right?
The battery forces conventional charge to move against the direction of the potential difference -- from positive to negative, yes.

But the negative terminal is not necessarily at zero potential. Zero potential is arbitrary.

Cos that my analysis of the phenomenon using what you are suggesting, and how can the second plate be at higher potential f it is charged negatively?
It can't and it won't.
Actually the potential of it is lower than 0
What makes you say this?

Possibly you need to step back and assign a potential to all points in the circuit before you make the connections between battery and capacitor. Then run through what you think happens. Rather than put the zero potential at the negative terminal, why not put zero potential at the mid-point of the battery?
 
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FAQ: Charging a capacitor with a battery

1. How does a capacitor get charged with a battery?

When a capacitor is connected to a battery, it creates a closed circuit. Electrons flow from the negative terminal of the battery to one plate of the capacitor, called the negative plate. At the same time, electrons from the positive plate of the capacitor flow to the positive terminal of the battery. This flow of electrons charges the capacitor.

2. What happens to the capacitor when it is charged with a battery?

When a capacitor is charged with a battery, it stores electrical energy in the form of an electric field between its two plates. The amount of charge stored on the capacitor is directly proportional to the voltage of the battery and the capacitance of the capacitor.

3. How long does it take for a capacitor to charge with a battery?

The time it takes for a capacitor to charge with a battery depends on the capacitance of the capacitor, the voltage of the battery, and the resistance of the circuit. The larger the capacitance and the lower the resistance, the longer it will take for the capacitor to charge. However, in most cases, a capacitor will reach its maximum charge in a few seconds.

4. Can a capacitor be charged with any type of battery?

Yes, a capacitor can be charged with any type of battery as long as the voltage of the battery is compatible with the voltage rating of the capacitor. It is important to note that different types of batteries have different voltage levels and it is crucial to use a battery with the correct voltage when charging a capacitor.

5. What are the potential risks of charging a capacitor with a battery?

If done improperly, charging a capacitor with a battery can be dangerous. Capacitors can store large amounts of charge, and if they are not discharged properly, they can release all of that energy at once, potentially causing electric shock or even an explosion. It is important to follow proper safety precautions and use caution when charging a capacitor with a battery.

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