Capacitance potential difference Problem

AI Thread Summary
A 2.05 µF capacitor charged to 901 V and a 6.68 µF capacitor charged to 671 V are connected in parallel after being disconnected from their batteries. The total charge is the sum of the charges on both capacitors, and the common voltage across them can be calculated using the formula V = (Q1 + Q2) / (C1 + C2). The discussion also addresses a separate problem involving calculating the required area of capacitor plates to achieve a specific electric field with given charge. The correct approach involves converting units and applying the formula A = Q / (E * ε₀) to find the area in square meters. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving capacitor-related problems effectively.
mustang1988
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1. A 2.05 µF capacitor (#1) is charged to 901 V and a 6.68 µF capacitor (#2) is charged to 671 V. These capacitors are then disconnected from their batteries. Next the positive plates are connected to each other and the negative plates are connected to each other. What will be the potential difference across each and the charge on each



2. C=8.85e10(A/d), Q=v/c,



The Attempt at a Solution


Im not really sure where to start, i think that in the end both voltages should be the same but not sure how to get it there. Any help would be great, thanks.
 
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Find charge in each capacitor using the relevant formula. When the positive plates ate connected, the total charge in the combination is the sum of the charges and the combination is the parallel combination. Find the capacitor of the combination and find the voltage across the combination.
 
Ok i get the part about adding the charges but when you say find the capacitor of the combination and find the voltage across the combination I am confused.
 
mustang1988 said:
Ok i get the part about adding the charges but when you say find the capacitor of the combination and find the voltage across the combination I am confused.
In the parallel combination C = C1 + C2.
Common V = (Q1 + Q2)/(C1 + C2)
 
ok that made more sense thanks a lot
 
i have one more question.
The problem is: If a capacitor has opposite 4.0 µC charges on the plates, and an electric field of 2.6 kV/mm is desired between the plates, what must each plate's area be?

Im pretty sure the Equation is E=(Q/A)(4pik) but i can't figure out how to get 2.6kV/mm into m^2, which is what they want the answer in
 
mustang1988 said:
i have one more question.
The problem is: If a capacitor has opposite 4.0 µC charges on the plates, and an electric field of 2.6 kV/mm is desired between the plates, what must each plate's area be?

Im pretty sure the Equation is E=(Q/A)(4pik) but i can't figure out how to get 2.6kV/mm into m^2, which is what they want the answer in


first convert the units, then solve
[kV/mm]→ [kV/(1/1000)m]→ [1000kV/m]
k→ 1000
μ→ 10-6
 
Once i solve for A will that be in m^2?
 
mustang1988 said:
i have one more question.
The problem is: If a capacitor has opposite 4.0 µC charges on the plates, and an electric field of 2.6 kV/mm is desired between the plates, what must each plate's area be?

Im pretty sure the Equation is E=(Q/A)(4pik) but i can't figure out how to get 2.6kV/mm into m^2, which is what they want the answer in
From where did you get E=(Q/A)(4pik) formula?
Actual formula is
C = εοΑ/d
Now between the charged parallel plates E = V/d = Q/Cd
Or C = Q/Ed = εοΑ/d
Or A = Q/E*εo
 
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