Current does not flow through a capacitor in the same way as through a resistor. Instead, when a voltage is applied to a capacitor, it charges up by storing energy in an electric field between its plates. This stored energy can then be released when the capacitor discharges.
When a capacitor is connected to a circuit, the current flow through the capacitor initially increases and then decreases as the capacitor charges up.
When a voltage source is suddenly connected to an electrical circuit, causing a current to flow through a capacitor, the capacitor initially acts like a short circuit, allowing a large current to flow. As the capacitor charges up, the current decreases until it reaches a steady state where the capacitor is fully charged and no current flows through it.
In steady state, the current through a capacitor is zero because the capacitor blocks the flow of direct current (DC) once it is fully charged.
A capacitor supplies current to a bulb by storing and releasing electrical energy in the form of charges. When the capacitor is connected to the bulb, it discharges its stored energy, providing a temporary flow of current to power the bulb.
The current across a capacitor in an electrical circuit is significant because it determines how quickly the capacitor charges or discharges. This current flow is crucial for storing and releasing electrical energy efficiently in various electronic devices and systems.