What happens if a capacitor is connected to a live power supply?

When a capacitor is connected to a live power supply, it has the potential to cause an explosion, especially if it is exposed to voltage levels beyond its rated specifications. This phenomenon can occur mainly due to the rapid accumulation of charge within the capacitor, which can create excessive internal pressure if the capacitor is not designed to handle that level of voltage or if it is damaged in some way.

Capacitors store electrical energy, and if this stored energy is released suddenly due to breakdown or failure, it can lead to an explosive rupture, which may be accompanied by the release of gases and even fragments of the capacitor itself. This highlights the importance of ensuring that capacitors are used within their specified ratings to prevent dangerous incidents.

In contrast, discharging immediately would not be an accurate description of typical behavior when a capacitor is connected; they charge up over time when connected to a power supply. While blowing a fuse could occur in a circuit with significant overloads, it typically wouldn't be a consequence of merely connecting a capacitor. Additionally, while generating heat can happen as part of regular operation, it does not inherently lead to destructive force like an explosion does in this context.