Effects of ac voltage on charge density in a spacer

The charging of acrylic glass rod under the influence of ac voltage is reported. A linear dependence of the accumulated charge density on the peak ac applied voltage is observed. A comparison between the accumulated charge density with ac and dc applied voltages is reported. The charge densities that accumulate under the effect of ac voltage are smaller than under dc voltage for the same peak voltage level. A switchable dc power supply to simulate an ac voltage application is also employed. Results show that there is an accumulation of both positive and negative charges on the insulator using ac depending on the polarity of the voltage wave