Describe the process of a capacitor charging.

At first, there is a potential difference between the two plates of the capacitor equal to the potential difference between the two battery terminals. This causes electrons to build up on one of the plates making that one more negatively charged and the other plate more positively charged, due to the negatively charged electrons repelling the electrons on the other plate.
Eventually, all the electrical energy is stored as electrostatic potential energy in the form of an electric field in the capacitor. It stops charging once the plates have equal but opposite charges.

Answered by Physics tutor

1416 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the SUVAT equations and how can I remember them?


A sigma0 particle with mass 1193 MeV/c^2 decays into a lambda0 particle with mass 1116 MeV/c^2 a photon. Find the energy and momentum of the photon, assuming that the kinetic energy of the lambda0 particle is negligible.


How can the average speedx of a gas molecule be derived?


Where does the formula for gravitational potential come from? Why the minus sign?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences