# A capacitor is fully charged and then disconnected from the power supply. The capacitor is then connected to a resistor and allowed to discharge completely. Describe what happens to the charge on the capacitor plates and the current in the circuit during the discharge process.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.7.4 Capacitance · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The charge on the capacitor plates decreases (during discharge)
2. Charge decreases at a decreasing rate / charge decreases gradually / not instantly
3. Current in the circuit decreases (during discharge)
4. Current is initially at its maximum (at the start of discharge) / current starts high
5. Current (and charge) both reach zero when the capacitor is fully discharged

## Key terms

- [capacitor](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/capacitor)
- [discharge](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/discharge)
- [charge](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/charge)
- [current](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/current)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-capacitor-is-fully-charged-and-a453be24) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.