Capacitor charging mechanism: During charging of an ideal capacitor, does conduction current flow through the dielectric material itself, or is the observed current due to displacement current and external conduction?

Introduction / Context:
A common misconception is that when a capacitor charges, electrons literally traverse the dielectric. In an ideal capacitor, the dielectric is an insulator; no conduction current passes through it. Yet a measurable current exists in the external circuit during charging and discharging, which is explained by time-varying electric fields and displacement current concepts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ideal capacitor with insulating dielectric between plates.
• Charging from a source through some series resistance or network.
• Lumped-circuit, quasi-static operation.

Concept / Approach:
The conduction path is external: electrons accumulate on one plate while leaving the other, establishing an electric field in the dielectric. Maxwell's displacement current term accounts for the continuity of current: as the electric field changes, a displacement current density exists in the dielectric without charge carriers crossing it. In real dielectrics, tiny leakage currents may exist, but they are not the primary charging mechanism and are ideally negligible.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Open-circuit steady state shows zero conduction current through the dielectric while a voltage remains across the plates, confirming the insulating behavior. Leakage specs (insulation resistance) quantify non-ideal conduction, typically very small.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing external line current with through-the-dielectric conduction; ignoring leakage versus ideal behavior; misinterpreting electrolytic construction.

Final Answer:
Incorrect