Calculating Energe stored in a Parallel Plate Capacitor

In summary, a parallel plate capacitor with a positive charge on the left plate and a negative charge on the right plate has an electric field of 100 kV/m between the plates. The plates have an area of 2 × 10-3 m2 and a spacing of 6 × 10-3 m with no dielectric between them. To calculate the energy stored in the capacitor, we can use the equation (1/2)((ke0A)/d)(Ed)^2, where ke0 represents the constant of proportionality and A and d represent the area and spacing of the plates, respectively.
  • #1
abigailb55
3
0
The left plate of a parallel plate capacitor carries a positive charge Q, and the right plate carries a negative charge -Q. The magnitude of the electric field between the plates is 100 kV/m. The plates each have an area of 2 × 10-3 m2, and the spacing between the plates is 6 × 10-3 m. There is no dielectric between the plates.

Calculate the energy stored in the capacitor.


I believe this is the relevant equation:
(1/2)((ke0A)/d)(Ed)^2


I really don't know what to do with this
 
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  • #2
The equation look alright except for the k before [itex]\epsilon_0[/itex].

To know what to do with this equation you have to know what each letter in it represents, know the connection between the letters and the information given in the problem, do you know them?
 

Related to Calculating Energe stored in a Parallel Plate Capacitor

1. How do you calculate the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor?

To calculate the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor, you can use the formula U = 1/2 * C * V^2, where U is the energy in joules, C is the capacitance in farads, and V is the voltage across the capacitor in volts.

2. What is the unit of measurement for energy stored in a capacitor?

The unit of measurement for energy stored in a capacitor is joules (J). This is the same unit used to measure other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy and potential energy.

3. How does the distance between the plates of a capacitor affect the energy stored?

The distance between the plates of a capacitor, also known as the plate separation, is directly proportional to the capacitance of the capacitor. This means that as the distance between the plates increases, the capacitance decreases, and thus, the energy stored in the capacitor decreases as well.

4. Can the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor be negative?

No, the energy stored in a parallel plate capacitor cannot be negative. The energy stored is always a positive value, representing the amount of work required to charge the capacitor.

5. How does the dielectric material between the plates of a capacitor affect the energy stored?

The dielectric material between the plates of a capacitor affects the energy stored by increasing the capacitance of the capacitor. This is due to the dielectric material's ability to store electric charge, allowing for more charge to be stored on the plates, and thus, increasing the energy stored in the capacitor.

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