The slowly charging capacitor is the standard example used to illustrate that the displacement current is needed in Ampere’s Law if we want to correctly determine the magnetic field between the capacitor plates. However, it is not widely recognized that in any quasi-static situation the magnetic field can also be determined using the Biot-Savart Law with just real currents. In this presentation, we will see how including the effects of the surface currents on the plates helps explain the resulting magnetic field both between the plates and outside the plates. It is very likely that the results will surprise most viewers. Discussing these issues in an upper division physics course would provide students with additional physical insight into this interesting system.

Untold secrets of the slowly charging capacitor

PAR-E.03 Introductory Physics Courses I

technical paper

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. The program featured plenary speakers, sessions, workshops and many special activities.

For more information please visit the 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting page at: https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/SM2020/index.cfm.


AAPT SM 20

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. 

John Drew Milsom

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Untold secrets of the slowly charging capacitor

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