Parallel Plate Capacitor with Dielectric Connected to a Battery

In summary, the question asks for the total electric field in a parallel plate capacitor with a polarized dielectric slab and a vacuum capacitor. This can be found by modeling the system as two capacitors in series and using the traditional equations for charge, voltage, capacitance, and the series combination of capacitors. The relationship between the displacement vector D and Q can also be found using these equations and by solving for Q.
  • #1
physconomic
15
1
Homework Statement
Represent the system as the superposition of a polarized dielectric slab and a vacuum capacitor to find the total electric field in the capacitor in terms of Q and the polarisation P. Then find the relationship between the displacement vectorD and Q.
Relevant Equations
Lorentz field? E=q/(A*sigma0)
Not sure how to set this question up or how to get to the second half
 
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  • #2
physconomic said:
Homework Statement:: Represent the system as the superposition of a polarized dielectric slab and a vacuum capacitor to find the total electric field in the capacitor in terms of Q and the polarisation P. Then find the relationship between the displacement vectorD and Q.
Relevant Equations:: Lorentz field? E=q/(A*sigma0)

Not sure how to set this question up or how to get to the second half
That's not really the full problem statement, and a diagram would help, but it sounds like you have a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric slab filling some fraction of the separation distance?

If so, just model it as two capacitors in series -- one with the dielectric in it, and one with vacuum. Once you do that, just use the traditional equations for the charge on a capacitor versus voltage and capacitance, and the equation for the series combination of capacitors...
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
That's not really the full problem statement, and a diagram would help, but it sounds like you have a parallel plate capacitor with a dielectric slab filling some fraction of the separation distance?

If so, just model it as two capacitors in series -- one with the dielectric in it, and one with vacuum. Once you do that, just use the traditional equations for the charge on a capacitor versus voltage and capacitance, and the equation for the series combination of capacitors...
Hi sorry yes it's just a standard parallel plate capacitor with a linear dielectric material filling the whole gap. Thank you though.
 
  • #4
Okay, so can you start working the problem and post your work? You can also do a Google search for more information and examples -- this is a very common intro question about capacitor calculations...
 

1. What is a parallel plate capacitor with dielectric connected to a battery?

A parallel plate capacitor with dielectric connected to a battery is a type of electrical circuit that consists of two parallel plates separated by a dielectric material and connected to a battery. The capacitor stores electrical energy and the battery provides the necessary voltage for the capacitor to function.

2. How does a parallel plate capacitor with dielectric connected to a battery work?

The capacitor works by storing electrical energy in the form of an electric field between the two plates. When the battery is connected, it creates a potential difference between the plates, causing electrons to accumulate on one plate and leave the other. The dielectric material between the plates helps to increase the capacitance of the capacitor, allowing it to store more charge.

3. What is the role of the dielectric material in a parallel plate capacitor with dielectric connected to a battery?

The dielectric material serves to increase the capacitance of the capacitor by reducing the electric field between the plates. This allows for a larger amount of charge to be stored on the plates, increasing the overall energy storage capacity of the capacitor.

4. How is the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with dielectric connected to a battery calculated?

The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor with dielectric can be calculated using the formula C = εA/d, where C is the capacitance, ε is the permittivity of the dielectric material, A is the area of the plates, and d is the distance between the plates. The permittivity of the dielectric material is a measure of how well it can store electrical energy.

5. What are some practical applications of a parallel plate capacitor with dielectric connected to a battery?

Parallel plate capacitors with dielectrics are commonly used in electronic circuits for energy storage, filtering, and voltage regulation. They are also used in power factor correction, where they help to improve the efficiency of electrical systems. Additionally, they are used in various electronic devices such as radios, televisions, and computers.

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