1 Answer
A **capacitor** is neither strictly an **AC** nor **DC** component ā its behavior depends on the type of current:
### In DC (Direct Current) circuits:
- A **capacitor initially allows current to flow** as it charges.
- Once fully charged, it **blocks DC current**, acting like an open circuit.
### In AC (Alternating Current) circuits:
- A **capacitor continuously allows AC to pass**, because the current is constantly changing direction and doesn't allow the capacitor to fully charge.
- It **offers reactance (opposition)** to AC, which depends on frequency and capacitance:
\[ X_C = \frac{1}{2\pi f C} \]
where \( X_C \) is capacitive reactance, \( f \) is frequency, and \( C \) is capacitance.
### Summary:
- **DC:** Blocks current after charging.
- **AC:** Passes current (with frequency-dependent impedance).
Would you like a simple diagram showing how a capacitor behaves in AC vs. DC circuits?
### In DC (Direct Current) circuits:
- A **capacitor initially allows current to flow** as it charges.
- Once fully charged, it **blocks DC current**, acting like an open circuit.
### In AC (Alternating Current) circuits:
- A **capacitor continuously allows AC to pass**, because the current is constantly changing direction and doesn't allow the capacitor to fully charge.
- It **offers reactance (opposition)** to AC, which depends on frequency and capacitance:
\[ X_C = \frac{1}{2\pi f C} \]
where \( X_C \) is capacitive reactance, \( f \) is frequency, and \( C \) is capacitance.
### Summary:
- **DC:** Blocks current after charging.
- **AC:** Passes current (with frequency-dependent impedance).
Would you like a simple diagram showing how a capacitor behaves in AC vs. DC circuits?