Electrostatic potential energy in a circuit with and without a battery

In summary, the conversation discusses two situations involving two plate capacitors connected in a circuit with a battery and a switch. In the first situation, the switch is cut after the capacitors are charged and the internal distance in one capacitor is doubled. In the second situation, the switch remains on and the internal distance in one capacitor is doubled after charging. The question is then posed about the change in electrostatic potential energy in each situation. The solution involves using an equation for capacitor energy and determining which equation applies best in each situation.
  • #1
utdiscant
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I have two plate capacitors serially connected in a circuit with a battey and a switch between the battery and one of the plate capacitors.

I have two situaions:

a) I charge the capacitors, cut the switch, and double the internal distance in one of the capacitors.
b) I charge the capacitors, keep the switch and double the internal distance in one of the capacitors.

What is the change of electrostatic potential energy in the two situations?

(This is not the actual exercise I have to solve, just a part of what I need to figure out before going on.)
 
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  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums.

You'll need to use an equation for the energy in a capacitor ... then think about how it would apply in each case. Please look in your textbook or lecture notes for the equation**, and post back with your thoughts.

**Actually, there are 3 equations for capacitor energy. So part of doing this problem is figuring out which equation best applies in each situation.
 

1. What is electrostatic potential energy?

Electrostatic potential energy is the energy stored in a charged object due to its position in an electric field. It is a form of potential energy that results from the attraction or repulsion between charged particles.

2. How is electrostatic potential energy related to circuits?

In a circuit, electrostatic potential energy is related to the movement of charges through a conductor. When a circuit is completed, charges flow from a higher potential to a lower potential, releasing electrostatic potential energy as they do so.

3. What is the role of a battery in electrostatic potential energy in a circuit?

A battery provides the potential difference, or voltage, that drives the flow of charges in a circuit. Without a battery, there would be no potential difference and no movement of charges, meaning no electrostatic potential energy would be released.

4. How does electrostatic potential energy change in a circuit with a battery?

In a circuit with a battery, as charges move through the circuit, they release electrostatic potential energy as they travel from a higher potential (near the battery's positive terminal) to a lower potential (near the battery's negative terminal). This energy is then used to power devices in the circuit.

5. What happens to electrostatic potential energy in a circuit without a battery?

In a circuit without a battery, there is no potential difference and no movement of charges. Therefore, there is no release of electrostatic potential energy. The charges will remain at a constant potential and no work will be done.

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