Capacitor help needed (voltage needed and time constant question)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the voltage required to store 1 coulomb of charge on a 1000µF capacitor and understanding the time constant in relation to voltage decay. The voltage required is determined using the formula Q = CV, resulting in 1mV. Additionally, the electric field within the capacitor is calculated using E = V/d, where d is the plate spacing of 0.1mm. For the second part, the relationship Vc = Vo * e^(-t/RC) demonstrates that Vc equals 37% of Vo after a time period equal to RC.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor fundamentals, including charge (Q), capacitance (C), and voltage (V).
  • Familiarity with the exponential decay formula Vc = Vo * e^(-t/RC).
  • Knowledge of electric field calculations using E = V/d.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between charge, capacitance, and voltage in capacitors.
  • Learn about the time constant (RC) in RC circuits and its implications for voltage decay.
  • Explore electric field concepts and their applications in capacitor design.
  • Practice solving problems involving exponential decay in electrical circuits.
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Students studying electrical engineering, electronics enthusiasts, and anyone needing assistance with capacitor calculations and time constant analysis.

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Homework Statement



#1. If you needed to store 1 coulomb of charge on a 1000uF capacitor what voltage would be required and what electric field would exist within the capacitor if the plate spacing is .1mm.

#2. Using Vc=Vo*e^(-t/RC) show that Vc will be equal to 37% of Vo when (RC) seconds of time have passed.

Homework Equations



#1. I'm not sure which equations are relevant and that is part of the problem.

#2. given in the question.


The Attempt at a Solution



#1. I (think) I get the first part of the question. q=C*V so 1 coulomb = 1000uF/v than v=1mV. However I do not know where to start on the second half of the question.

#2. I suppose my math skills are just lacking for this one because I don't even know where to start.


Thanks for any help.
 
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For part one you're simply using Q = CV where 'Q' is the charge of the capacitor, 'C' is the capacitance, and 'V' is the voltage required to do so. To get the electric field from the spacing and the voltage you just need to use the equation E = V/d (E is the rate at which V changes with distance).

For part two you need to plug in t = RC which will make the argument in the exponent go to -1 (the RC's cancel.) Then you will see that your answer is just V0 times some constant value (e^{-1}).
 
Thanks for the help.
 

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