| ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - CHARGING A CAPACITOR | ||
If the switch is now opened, the charge on the capacitor is isolated. Because the dielectric is an insulator, the electrons cannot cross the dielectric to the bottom plate. The charges on both plates will be effectively trapped by the electrostatic field and the capacitor will remain charged indefinitely. Note that the insulating dielectric material in a practical capacitor is not perfect, and small leakage current will flow through the dielectric. This current will eventually dissipate the charge. However, a high quality capacitor may hold its charge for a month or more. |
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