Two Charged Capacitors in Parallel

In summary, the conversation discusses two large area parallel plate capacitors, labeled P and N, and their connection. The capacity of N (on the right) is given as 27.5 μF and the task is to calculate the capacity of P. The plate separation of capacitor N is then doubled, and the new value of the charge on P is to be determined. The correct solution involves using the equation C=\epsilonA/d and the fact that the total initial charge is equal to the total final charge. The correct value for the new charge on P is 1.34x10^-5 F.
  • #1
littlebilly91
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Homework Statement



Two large area parallel plate capacitors, labeled P and N, are connected as shown in the figure below. The charge on each plate is indicated in the figure, in μC.

I. The capacity of N (on the right) is 27.5 μF. Calculate the capacity of P.
1.34×10-5 F (Correct)


The plate separation of capacitor of N (on the right) is doubled. Calculate the new value of the charge on P.

Homework Equations



q=CV
total initial charge=total final charge
C=[tex]\epsilon[/tex]A/d



The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]C_{Ni}[/tex]=[tex]C_{Nf}[/tex]/2
because the distance has doubled (C=[tex]\epsilon[/tex]A/d)

[tex]q_{Ni}[/tex]+[tex]q_{Pi}[/tex] = [tex]q_{Nf}[/tex]+[tex]q_{Pf}[/tex]

[tex]q_{Ni}[/tex]+[tex]q_{Pi}[/tex] = [tex]C_{Nf}[/tex]V+[tex]q_{Pf}[/tex]

[tex]q_{Ni}[/tex]+[tex]q_{Pi}[/tex] = [tex]q_{Pf}[/tex]*[tex]C_{Nf}[/tex]/([tex]2*C_{Pf}[/tex])+[tex]q_{Pf}[/tex]
using q=CV because the voltage drop will be the same between the two final capacitors

then I solved for qPf
 

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  • #2
and got 1.34x10^-5 F which is the correct answer. Would this be the correct way to solve this problem?
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the total capacitance of two capacitors in parallel?

The formula for calculating the total capacitance of two capacitors in parallel is Ctotal = C1 + C2, where C1 and C2 are the individual capacitances of the two capacitors.

2. How do the voltages across two capacitors in parallel compare to each other?

In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each capacitor is the same. This is because the capacitors share the same potential difference or voltage source.

3. What is the effect of adding a third capacitor in parallel with two charged capacitors?

Adding a third capacitor in parallel with two charged capacitors will increase the total capacitance of the circuit. The new total capacitance will be equal to the sum of all three individual capacitances.

4. How does the total charge stored in two capacitors in parallel compare to the individual charges of each capacitor?

The total charge stored in two capacitors in parallel is equal to the sum of the individual charges of each capacitor. This is because the capacitors are connected in parallel, allowing the charges to flow freely between them.

5. Can two capacitors with different capacitances be connected in parallel?

Yes, two capacitors with different capacitances can be connected in parallel. The total capacitance will be the sum of the individual capacitances, and the voltage across each capacitor will be the same.

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