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- Feb 28, 2013
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When switch S is closed to the left, charge begins to accumulate on the capacitor. Charge cannot accumulate indefinitely because:
(A) the variable resistor inhibits current flow
(B) the battery continually loses charge
(C) successive charges brought to the plates are repelled by charges accumulated earlier
(D) the fixed resistor loses energy to heat
They say the answer is C because: The two plates of the capacitor collect charges of opposite sign. As more charge arrives it is harder and harder to fill the plates until finally an equilibrium occurs.
Can anyone explain? I thought it can't accumulate indefinitely because the capacitor will eventually become fully charged. I'm not really sure what I thought would happen then - if the capacitor will then discharge and recharge continuously until the battery is done?
Thanks
(A) the variable resistor inhibits current flow
(B) the battery continually loses charge
(C) successive charges brought to the plates are repelled by charges accumulated earlier
(D) the fixed resistor loses energy to heat
They say the answer is C because: The two plates of the capacitor collect charges of opposite sign. As more charge arrives it is harder and harder to fill the plates until finally an equilibrium occurs.
Can anyone explain? I thought it can't accumulate indefinitely because the capacitor will eventually become fully charged. I'm not really sure what I thought would happen then - if the capacitor will then discharge and recharge continuously until the battery is done?
Thanks