Am I missing something? (stored energy U=.5QV)

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The discussion revolves around calculating the energy stored in a capacitor using the formula U = 0.5QV, with given values of charge and potential difference. The initial calculation yielded 2.4E-6 J, but it was later corrected to 2.4E-9 J due to a misunderstanding of the charge value. The separation distance of 0.0004 m was noted but deemed unnecessary for this particular calculation. Participants confirmed the correctness of the final solution and exchanged light-hearted comments. The focus remained on ensuring accurate calculations in capacitor energy storage problems.
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So there's this problem where they provide charge on each plate of .02E-9 Coulombs with a potential difference of 240 V. Parallel plates separated by .0004m air. Asks for energy stored in capacitator. I used U=.5QV equation to get 2.4E-6 J but didn't use the .0004 constant at all. Did I miss something in what calculation I'm supposed to be doing? Usually data isn't provided in a problem unless it's supposed to be used, but I can't think of how I would need that. Thank you.
 
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runran said:
So there's this problem where they provide charge on each plate of .02E-9 Coulombs with a potential difference of 240 V. Parallel plates separated by .0004m air. Asks for energy stored in capacitator. I used U=.5QV equation to get 2.4E-6 J but didn't use the .0004 constant at all. Did I miss something in what calculation I'm supposed to be doing? Usually data isn't provided in a problem unless it's supposed to be used, but I can't think of how I would need that. Thank you.

Your logic is correct, however you calculations are not. The energy stored is by my calculations is 2.4 x 10-9 J.

~H
 
Woops, meant to put Q as .02E-6 c
But thanks Hootenanny for the reassurance that the solution is okay.

A cookie for you (::)
 
runran said:
A cookie for you (::)

Why thank you old chap :biggrin:

~H
 

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