Exam-style question
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What is the primary difference between charging and discharging a capacitor?.
- A.Charging involves current flowing into the capacitor, while discharging involves current flowing out.
- B.Charging increases the potential difference across the capacitor, while discharging decreases it.
- C.Charging stores energy in the capacitor, while discharging releases energy.
- D.Charging occurs when the capacitor is connected to a power source, while discharging occurs when it is isolated.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Charging involves current flowing into the capacitor, while discharging involves current flowing out.
Explanation
Why this works
Charging and discharging are two processes that describe how capacitors store and release energy. The key difference is that charging involves current flowing into the capacitor, increasing its stored charge and potential difference, while discharging involves current flowing out, decreasing the stored charge.
Charging applies when a capacitor is connected to a voltage source, while discharging applies when it is disconnected and allowed to release its stored energy. Thus, the correct option highlights the flow of current direction during these processes.
Common mistake
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