Capacitors With and Without Dielectric

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving problems related to two parallel-plate capacitors, one filled with air and the other with a dielectric. The user successfully calculated the electric field in capacitor A using the formula V = Ed and determined the free charge density on its higher-potential plate. However, they are struggling with finding the electric field within the dielectric of capacitor B, realizing that the presence of two capacitors complicates the calculations. Attempts to use the relationship between charge and capacitance have not yielded correct results. The user seeks clarification on the correct approach to determine the electric field in capacitor B.
jchoca
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two parallel-plate capacitors A and B are connected in parallel across a 620.0 V battery. Each plate has area 100 cm2 and the plate separations are 4.5 mm. Capacitor A is filled with air; capacitor B is filled with a dielectric of dielectric constant 2.2.

A)Find the magnitude of the electric field within the dielectric of capacitor B.
B)Find the magnitude of the electric field within the air of capacitor A.
C)What is the free charge density on the higher-potential plate of capacitor A (with proper sign)?
D)What is the free charge density on the higher-potential plate of capacitor B (with proper sign)?
E)What is the induced charge density on the surface of the dielectric which is nearest to the higher-potential plate of capacitor B (with proper sign)?


Homework Equations


E=\frac{E_{0}}{E}\newline

E_{0}=\frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_{0}}\newline

V = Ed\newline

C_{eq}=C_{1}+C_{2}+\cdots+C_{n}

The Attempt at a Solution


The part that I am mainly having issues with (at the moment) is part A. I was able to obtain part B by using V = Ed and solving for E. Then I found part C by doing E0=\sigma/\epsilon0 and solving for \sigma. I tried to find part A by using K=E0/E but that is incorrect. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that there are two parallel capacitors rather than just one isolated one with a dielectric. I am pretty confused on how to approach getting part A.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I made another attempt at the solution for A):

\frac{C}{C_{0}} = \frac{Q}{Q_{0}}=K

I know Q_{0} since I know E_{0}.

Q=KQ_{0} = 2.684 x 10^{-8}C

\frac{Q}{A} = \epsilon_{0} = 2.68 x 10^{-6} C/m2

E = \frac{\sigma}{\epsilon_{0}} = 3.03 x 10^{5}N/C

Still wrong though...
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top