Which current flows inside a capacitor when it is being charged? Explain.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) When a capacitor is being charged, the current flowing inside the capacitor is known as the $displacement \ current$ $(I_d)$.
Explanation:
$1$. In the conducting wires connected to the capacitor plates, the current is the $conduction \ current$ $(I_c)$, which is due to the actual flow of electrons.
$2$. Between the plates of the capacitor, there is no physical medium for electrons to flow, so the $conduction \ current$ is zero.
$3$. However, as the capacitor charges, the electric field $(E)$ between the plates changes with time.
$4$. According to Maxwell's modification of Ampere's Law, this time-varying electric field produces a magnetic field, which is equivalent to a current.
$5$. This current is defined as $I_d = \epsilon_0 \frac{d\Phi_E}{dt}$, where $\epsilon_0$ is the permittivity of free space and $\frac{d\Phi_E}{dt}$ is the rate of change of electric flux.
$6$. Thus, the $displacement \ current$ ensures the continuity of the total current in the circuit.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ plane electromagnetic wave of angular frequency $\omega$ propagates in a poorly conducting medium of conductivity $\sigma$ and relative permittivity $\varepsilon$. Find the ratio of conduction current density and displacement current density in the medium.

$A$ parallel plate capacitor with plate area $A$ and separation between the plates $d$ is charged by a constant current $i$. Consider a plane surface of area $A/2$ parallel to the plates and drawn symmetrically between the plates. The displacement current through this area will be:

At what rate must the potential difference between the plates of a capacitor be changed to set up a displacement current of $1 \, A$ in a capacitor of $2 \, \mu F$?

Inside a parallel plate capacitor,the electric field $E$ varies with time as $t^2$. The variation of the induced magnetic field with time is given by

Maxwell's equations describe the fundamental laws of

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo