Calculating Capacitance for a Rolled Capacitor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the capacitance of a rolled capacitor, specifically addressing the parameters involved in the capacitance formula and the implications of rolling the capacitor on its capacitance value.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the capacitance formula and question the correct interpretation of the distance between metal surfaces. There are attempts to recalculate capacitance based on different assumptions about the geometry and setup of the capacitor.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into potential misunderstandings regarding the problem statement. Some have identified misinterpretations of the capacitance conditions before and after rolling, while others are exploring the geometric aspects of the capacitor design.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the definition of the distance variable in the capacitance equation, as well as the initial conditions for capacitance before rolling the capacitor. Participants are working within the constraints of an online assignment that requires precise adherence to the problem's parameters.

Runaway
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


C = k *\epsilon0 * A / d


The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted setting the equation up as:
C/2 (because rolling the capacitor doubles C) = k * \epsilon0 * L * W / d
9.49 * 10-8 F/2 = 3.9 * 8.85 * 10-12C2 / (N * m2) * L * 7.43cm / .00282 mm
9.49 * 10-8 F/2 * .00282 mm = 3.9 * 8.85 * 10-12C2 / (N * m2) * L * 7.43cm
(9.49 * 10-8 F/2 * .00282 mm)/(3.9 * 8.85 * 10-12C2 / (N * m2) *7.43cm) = L
L= 0.05218 meters

It's an online assignment and it says .05218 isn't the right answer, can someone show me where I've messed up?
 
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Read the problem again: what should be d, the distance between the metal surfaces? Is it equal to the thickness of the metal foil or that of the paper?

ehild
 
Ok, I tried:
(9.49 * 10^-8 F/2 * .0246 mm)/(3.9 * 8.85 * 10^-12C^2 / (N * m^2) *7.43cm)
Instead and got 0.4552 meters, but it still says the answer is incorrect
 
I talked with the teacher and I was misreading the problem, it wants it to have the 9.49 E-8 F capacitance before it's rolled, not after, and the part about C being doubled when it is rolled was just put there to explain why there is a difference before and after it's rolled.
Thanks for your help ;)
 

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