Disconnected vs Connected parallel plate capacitor

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between disconnected and connected parallel plate capacitors in terms of voltage and charge. It is mentioned that a circuit diagram would be helpful in understanding this concept. The PD across a connected capacitor is determined by the source voltage, while the PD across a charging capacitor is determined by the charge on the capacitor. The capacitance remains the same, determined by the dimensions of the capacitor, and the charge is equal to the product of capacitance and voltage.
  • #1
plindle
1
0
I am having a hard time understanding the whole idea behind and the difference between disconnected vs connected parallel plate capacitor in terms of voltage and charge. How does this relate to the formula C(Q/V)=ke0A/d?
 
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  • #2
plindle said:
I am having a hard time understanding the whole idea behind and the difference between disconnected vs connected parallel plate capacitor in terms of voltage and charge. How does this relate to the formula C(Q/V)=ke0A/d?
The words alone don't have an unique message. What you (and we) would need is a circuit diagram of the two states you want to discuss.
What is certain is that, when a Capacitor is connected across a Voltage source (battery etc.) the PD across it is determined by the source volts. If the capacitor is being charged via a Resistor, the PD is determined by the (perhaps instantaneous) charge on the capacitor.
The Capacitance is determined by the dimensions of the capacitor (and stays the same) and the Charge will be CV, whatever V happens to be across it.
 

1. What is a disconnected parallel plate capacitor?

A disconnected parallel plate capacitor is a type of capacitor where the two plates are not connected by a conductor. This means that there is no complete circuit for the flow of charge, and the capacitor does not store any electrical energy.

2. What is a connected parallel plate capacitor?

A connected parallel plate capacitor is a type of capacitor where the two plates are connected by a conductor. This allows for the flow of charge between the plates, and the capacitor can store electrical energy.

3. How does the capacitance differ between a disconnected and connected parallel plate capacitor?

The capacitance of a disconnected parallel plate capacitor is zero, while the capacitance of a connected parallel plate capacitor is dependent on the distance between the plates, the surface area of the plates, and the dielectric material between the plates.

4. What is the purpose of using a disconnected parallel plate capacitor?

A disconnected parallel plate capacitor can be used as a simple model for understanding the concept of capacitance and electric fields. It can also be used in theoretical calculations and thought experiments.

5. How does the electric field differ between a disconnected and connected parallel plate capacitor?

In a disconnected parallel plate capacitor, there is no electric field present between the plates. In a connected parallel plate capacitor, there is a uniform electric field present between the plates, with the field lines pointing from the positive plate to the negative plate.

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