Exam-style question
Try this first
What happens to the current in a capacitor as it charges over time?.
- A.The current remains constant throughout the charging process.
- B.The current decreases exponentially as the capacitor charges.
- C.The current increases exponentially as the capacitor charges.
- D.The current becomes negative after a certain time.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The current decreases exponentially as the capacitor charges.
Explanation
Why this works
During the charging process of a capacitor, the current decreases exponentially over time. This is because as the capacitor accumulates charge, the potential difference across its plates increases, which reduces the current flow according to Ohm's law.
The key difference is that the current does not remain constant or increase; it diminishes as the capacitor approaches its maximum charge. Thus, the correct option reflects the nature of current change during capacitor charging.
Common mistake
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