How to Charge Capacitor Without Resistor

An inductor can be used to charge a capacitor instead of a resistor. You can charge the capacitor to a higher voltage than the source by connecting a diode in series with the inductor. The diode disengages the capacitor from the source precisely as the inductor current drops to zero and the capacitor is fully charged, forming a series resonant circuit.

How to Charge Capacitor Without Resistor

The most typical applications for capacitors are power supply systems, analog circuits, and tuned circuits. Capacitors’ main function is to store energy that will be released later when it is needed.

You must connect a capacitor to a full circuit that comprises a power source, a route, and a load to charge it. Without a load, the current does not travel across a circuit and thus does not charge a capacitor.

You can charge a capacitor without using a resistor; you can charge it by connecting it to a battery, which will discharge into the capacitor. A light bulb with the proper voltage can also be used.

Charging Capacitor Using Inductor 

When a capacitor is connected to a voltage source, an electric field is created, which charges the capacitor until it hits the same potential as the source. Connect a 100uF capacitor to a 9V source, then connect an inductor between the positive terminal of the battery and one of the capacitor’s terminals.

The capacitor is then connected to an oscilloscope, and the voltage of the capacitor may be observed while applying discrete frequencies through the inductor. The most important thing to remember is that when a capacitor is connected to a battery, it will store energy.

The resistor will charge and discharge the capacitor, but if you connect an inductor in parallel with it, the inductor will do all of the work. A current flows in the opposite direction when the voltage across the inductor changes. If no resistor is present to use energy when charging, the energy will continue to circulate in circles until it dissipates as heat.

Charging Capacitor Using A Light Bulb

Any other load can be used instead of a resistor to charge a capacitor. If a resistor isn’t accessible, a light bulb or a battery with the proper voltage can be used instead. Here are the steps of charging the capacitor with a light bulb.

Step 1 | Connect the Bulb

Connect one end of a length of wire to the battery’s positive connection and the other end to one of the capacitor’s two terminals.

Step 2 | Complete the Connection 

Connect one end of another piece of wire to the other of the capacitor’s two terminals and the other end to one of the light bulb socket’s two terminals. Connect one end of the third piece of wire to the other end of the light bulb socket’s two terminals.

Step 3 | Charge the Capacitor

Connect the free end of this wire to the battery’s negative terminal. The capacitor will continue to charge as the light begins to glow. Over time the light will start to fade. The capacitor is fully charged when the light turns off.

Conclusion

A capacitor can be charged without the use of a resistor. You can use a battery or a light bulb to accomplish this. However, using a resistor to prevent your capacitors from overcharging is recommended. You must also keep a close eye on the voltage and current. If the capacitor receives too much current for too long, it will detonate and become unusable.