Formula for capacitance is C=Q/V

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the capacitance of a system with two conductors carrying charges of +14.0 µC and -14.0 µC, separated by a potential difference of 14.0 V. The relevant formula for capacitance, C = Q/V, is referenced, along with considerations regarding unit conversions and the treatment of charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the capacitance formula and whether unit conversions are necessary. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between charge, voltage, and capacitance, with some participants questioning the calculations and results presented.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections regarding unit conversions and calculations. Some have identified errors in the power of ten used in previous attempts, while others are exploring the implications of charge distribution on capacitance.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the correct interpretation of microcoulombs and the notation used in engineering calculations. Participants are also addressing the need for clarity in the application of the capacitance formula.

Squ33
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The problem entails the following:

Two conductors having net charges of +14.0 µC and -14.0 µC have a potential difference of 14.0 V.

(a) Determine the capacitance of the system

I know that the formula for capacitance is C=Q/V, but do I need to convert units, or add the two conductors together, or what?

So far the answers I have come up with are 1E-5 F and 2E-6 F, and they are both wrong...:cry:
 
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C= Q/V

Q's units will be coulombs
V's units will be volts
C's answer will be farads

1 coulomb/ 1 volt = 1 farad so basically how you have explained the problem it would seem that you just need to plug and chug the answer into the equation.

it seems that how your numbers are though that it would come out
to just + and - 1 farad wouldn't it? since 14/14 and -14/14. I hope this helps.. I am looking out of my book to try and help you. speaking of which.. what is the answer supposed to be since you apparently know that yours is wrong and know the correct answer?
 
Thx for the help, I found out that it was to the wrong power of 10 (shoulda been 1E-6 instead of 1E-5)
 
when a capacitor is charged the values for charge upon each plate (surface) are equal in magnitude but opposite in sign. The total charge on the system is 14 uC. The total potential stored is 14V.

thus total capacitance = Q/Vab= 14uC/14V= (14*10^-6)C/(14*10^0)V=1uF.

I think that you lost a decimal place somewhere. The proposal was 14uC not 140*10^-5 C.

micro is an abbreviation for 10^-6, all exponents in engineering notation are multiples of 3. All the results of exponential calculation in engineering notation should result in numbers which are a multiple of three.

14uC= 14 *10^6 C
 

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