I put together these simple circuits to help myself understand the basics of capacitors better. Perhaps it may help someone else as well.
Capacitors on a DC charge will fill to their capacity but will not let any current through (top left circuit), until switch is closed allowing POSITIVE charged side to flow through to ground. It should be noted that "ground" is the (-) Voltage supply when charging as opposed to the (-) side of the capacitor when discharging.
Capacitors on an AC charge will allow AC current to pass (bottom left circuit).
Top Right: Charging Capacitor
Second Right: Discharging Capacitor
Notice how in top right circuit, the charge is gradual through the series 1kOhm resistor. Then when circuit is open again, charge has nowhere to go (Voltmeter does not pass current)
Now in the 2nd right circuit, the charge is instant (no resistor in series), but the resistor in parallel allows gradual discharge from positive to ground) Again, attached Voltmeter does not pass current).
Bottom Left: Charging and Discharging
Capacitor
