Question

A parallel plate capacitor is charged by an ac source, Kirchhoff's first rule (junction rule) valid at each plate of the capacitor? Explain.

Hint:

Kirchhoff’s current law is valid even in circuits with capacitors, as displacement current ensures the continuity of charge flow.

Answer 1

Yes, Kirchhoff’s first rule (junction rule) is valid at each plate of the capacitor. The junction rule states that the sum of currents entering a junction must equal the sum of currents leaving the junction. In the case of a capacitor, the conduction current and the displacement current contribute to the total current at the plates. The displacement current ensures the continuity of current in the capacitor, and thus Kirchhoff's current law remains valid even at the plates of the capacitor.