Basic Capacitor problem

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In summary, a capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is made up of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, and stores energy when a voltage is applied. The capacitance of a capacitor is calculated using the formula C = Q/V. Common uses of capacitors include in electronic devices and power supplies. To solve a basic capacitor problem, you need to know the capacitance, voltage, and charge, and may need to use additional formulas depending on the problem.
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RED119
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Homework Statement


Two 5.0-cm-diameter aluminum electrodes are spaced 0.50 mm apart. The electrodes are connected to a 200 V battery.

Homework Equations


C = εA/d

The Attempt at a Solution


So for my solution I took the area of the plate, ((.052π) * 8.85*10-12) / .5*10-3 and I got an answer of 1.39 * 10-10 F or 139 pF. The website the homework is done through is saying this is wrong. not too sure where the mistake is...
 
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  • #2
Area of electrode = pi * d^2 /4

Looks like you used pi * d^2
 

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electrical energy in the form of an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.

How does a capacitor work?

When a voltage is applied across a capacitor, it charges and stores electrical energy in the form of an electric field. When the voltage is removed, the capacitor will discharge, releasing the stored energy.

What is capacitance?

Capacitance is the measure of a capacitor's ability to store electrical energy. It is measured in farads (F) and is determined by the size, distance, and type of dielectric material used in the capacitor.

What is the difference between a capacitor and a battery?

While both a capacitor and a battery can store electrical energy, they do so in different ways. A battery uses chemical reactions to store energy, while a capacitor uses an electric field. Additionally, a capacitor can release its stored energy much faster than a battery.

What are some common applications of capacitors?

Capacitors are used in a wide range of electronic devices and circuits. Some common applications include filtering noise in power supplies, tuning radio frequencies, and storing energy in flash cameras and defibrillators.

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