Final answer:
Discharging a capacitor is a normal function where it releases its stored energy over time exponentially, and the voltage never truly reaches zero but asymptotically approaches it, which is not a problem but an inherent characteristic of capacitors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discharging a capacitor is indeed a normal function of its operation within an electrical circuit. When a capacitor discharges, it releases the stored electrical energy in the form of an electric current. This process is governed by an exponential decay as determined by the capacitor's properties and the effective resistance in the circuit. The time constant for the discharge, denoted by the Greek letter tau (τ), depends on the resistor value and the capacitance of the capacitor. The voltage across the capacitor during discharge never truly reaches zero, as it approaches zero asymptotically over time. This should not be considered a problem; it's intrinsic to how capacitors function.
A current will also be produced in any inductors if present, due to its magnetic field interaction, ultimately resulting in a transfer of energy. In practical uses such as in defibrillation units, the capacitor's discharge can drive a current through the heart of a patient, showing real-world applications of this principle.