# Homework Help: Capacitance of a capacitor with dielectric of variable dimensions and constant volume

1. Sep 23, 2011

### MetalManuel

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations
$\int\vec{E}\cdot\vec{dA}=\frac{Q_{enc}}{\epsilon_{0}}$
$\int\vec{E}\cdot\vec{dA}=\frac{Q_{enc}}{k\epsilon_{0}}$
$V=\int\vec{E}\cdot\vec{dS}$
$C=\frac{q}{V}$
$C_{eq}=C_{1}+C_{2}+...$
$\frac{1}{C_{eq}}=\frac{1}{C_{1}}+\frac{1}{C_{2}}+...$

3. The attempt at a solution
I didn't want to do the calculations in itex because it would take forever, but this is what i have so far. I just did the integrations quickly and went straight to the point and put in the equations.

With the answer that I get I can't seem to get the answer. I have spent a lot of hours on this problem and it took me a while to figure out the proper areas and dimensions, but even after all that I am stuck. What is my problem? I have a feeling it has to do with the 4h^2 (it's not the right dimensions for the dielectric area).

Thanks

2. Sep 23, 2011

### Spinnor

Re: Capacitance of a capacitor with dielectric of variable dimensions and constant vo

The volume of the dielectric is L*L*L/2 and is a constant? Where do you use this fact? I apologize if the answer is obvious.

3. Sep 23, 2011

### MetalManuel

Re: Capacitance of a capacitor with dielectric of variable dimensions and constant vo

The volume of $\frac{L^{3}}{2}$ is the total volume of the dielectric, but you can change the dimensions of the dielectric as long as long as $l=w$. For example, you can say that the dielectric is now $\frac{L}{8}, 2L$ and $2L$ because the volume is still the same. You have to account for all the possible shapes that this dielectric can take.

edit:Imagine there's a piece of clay in between the capacitors, this will be the dielectric. You can shape the clay however you want and it will still have constant volume, just different dimensions. In this case though the clay would have to be a cubic shape, the two dimensions equal to each other.

Last edited: Sep 23, 2011
4. Sep 23, 2011

### MetalManuel

Re: Capacitance of a capacitor with dielectric of variable dimensions and constant vo

I think I have figured it out, my mind is racing. Will update if I figure it out.

5. Sep 23, 2011

### MetalManuel

Re: Capacitance of a capacitor with dielectric of variable dimensions and constant vo

So i finally solved it, this is how I am feeling right now.