Chapter 28, Problem 1FTD

What’s meant by the statement, “A capacitor acts like a DC open circuit”?

To determine

To explain: The meaning of the statement, “a capacitor acts like a DC open circuit”.

Answer to Problem 1FTD

The statement “a capacitor acts like a DC open circuit” means that the capacitor does not allow the direct current (DC) to pass through it so that it behaves like a switch kept open in the DC circuit.

Explanation of Solution

When a capacitor is connected in a DC circuit, it offers an infinite reactance across its leads and hence the current cannot flow through the capacitor. The electric energy get stored in the capacitor. Since the direct current cannot pass through the capacitor, the position of capacitor behaves like a switch which kept open in the circuit. Therefore it is stated that “a capacitor acts like a DC open circuit”.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the statement “a capacitor acts like a DC open circuit” means that the capacitor does not allow the direct current (DC) to pass through it so that it behaves like a switch kept open in the DC circuit.