Inserting metal to parallel plate capacitor

In summary, if a slab of copper with thickness b is inserted halfway between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor with plate area A and separation d, the new potential difference V' can be calculated as V' = E(d-b) and the new capacitance C' can be calculated as C' = εA / (d-b). This is because there is no electric field inside the copper and it can be thought of as two capacitors in series.
  • #1
K.z_z
4
1
If there is a parallel plate capacitor with plate area, A, plate separation, d, and a slab of copper of thickness, b, is inserted exactly halfway between the plates. How to find it's new capacitance, C', and new potential difference, V' ?

Answer: V' = E(d-b) and C' = εA / (d-b)

I understand that there would be no effect on the electric field and E = Vd, and there is no electric field inside the copper. Is this why we exclude the thickness of the copper when calculating V' ? And why also do the same for capacitance? Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It is the same as having 2 capacitors in series, each having one of the narrow air gaps as its own, and the sides of the metal insert forming a plate for each of the new capacitors. Yes, there is no voltage gradient across the copper.
 
  • #3
thank you so much. I understand it.
 
  • Like
Likes NascentOxygen

Related to Inserting metal to parallel plate capacitor

1. What is a parallel plate capacitor?

A parallel plate capacitor is a type of capacitor that consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, typically air or a dielectric. It is used to store and release electrical energy.

2. How does inserting metal affect a parallel plate capacitor?

Inserting metal between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor increases the capacitance of the capacitor. This is because the metal acts as a conductor, reducing the distance between the plates and allowing more charge to be stored.

3. Can any type of metal be inserted into a parallel plate capacitor?

Yes, any conductive metal can be inserted into a parallel plate capacitor. However, the type of metal used can affect the capacitance and other properties of the capacitor.

4. What is the purpose of inserting metal into a parallel plate capacitor?

The purpose of inserting metal into a parallel plate capacitor is to increase the capacitance and therefore the amount of charge that can be stored. This can be useful in applications where a higher capacitance is required, such as in electronic circuits or power storage systems.

5. Is there a limit to how much metal can be inserted into a parallel plate capacitor?

Yes, there is a limit to how much metal can be inserted into a parallel plate capacitor. The size and spacing of the plates, as well as the type of dielectric material used, will determine the maximum capacitance that can be achieved. Adding too much metal can also lead to electrical breakdown and damage the capacitor.

Similar threads

I Is capacitor energy the electrostatic energy of the whole system?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
9
Views
1K
I Why is a Dielectric slab ejected from the capacitor when energized?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
10
Views
1K
Prove to me how capacitors in parallel can have the same V across plates
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
Potential Gradient for individual charges and parallel plates?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
33
Views
3K
Inserting a conductor in a parallel-plate capacitor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
2K
Capacitance of parallel plate capacitor separated by
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
1K
Electric field outside a parallel plate capacitor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
17K
Do charges always lie on the inner surface of capacitors?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
22
Views
956
Electrical potential of a thin wire in an E field
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
11
Views
998
Force on a capacitor plate as the derivative of the energy -- is it a fluke?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top