A parallel-plate capacitor has been charged and then disconnected from the battery
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Current Electricity · Current Electricity
Problem
A parallel-plate capacitor has been charged and then disconnected from the battery, leaving the circuit open. Which statement is most consistent with the conditions in the connecting wires long after charging is complete?
(a) Net current is zero because the electric field inside the wires is zero, so all charge carriers remain stationary.
(b) A small steady current continues as electrons leak across the open switch, slowly discharging the capacitor.
(c) Net current is zero, but charge carriers continue to undergo random thermal motion within the wires.
(d) Electrons drift in opposite directions through the two connecting wires at equal steady speeds, so the overall current measured in the circuit is zero.