We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Capacitor &Amp; Resistors in Parallel
 University of Virginia
           
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
The first switch is thrown back to disconnect the cell from the capacitor. When the second switch is thrown the light bulbs are connected to the capacitor (and not the cell).

Now the potential energy stored in the capacitor is used to run the light bulbs. As the energy of the capacitor decreases the lights get dimmer.

Note that the two light bulbs discharge the capacitor quicker than a single light bulb.

 
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