Question

Will current pass through a capacitor attached to a DC source?

A.Yes
B.No
C.First passes then stops
D.None of these

Answer 1

First passes then stops.

Explanation:

If you had an ammeter on both sides of the capacitor watched when you connected the DC source you could see current flowing in the same direction on both ammeters. Briefly. In fact, you might need an oscilloscope with 2 ammeter probes to see it.

On the side that the negative terminal of the source is connected to, electrons would rush to the capacitor when the connection is made. The plate on that side of the capacitor would gain an excess of electrons. Because of those electrons on that plate, electrons would flee the other plate and be welcomed by the positive terminal of the source. But the excess of electrons on the one plate would not be able to jump (see note below) to the other plate so an equilibrium would quickly develop and the current would stop.

Note: Capacitors have a max voltage rating. If the voltage applied exceeds the max voltage rating, there may be a failure of the capacitor in which electrons actually do jump across the gap. This would probably do permanent damage.

I hope this helps,
Steve