Capacitors With and Without Dielectric

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the analysis of two parallel-plate capacitors, A and B, connected in parallel across a 620.0 V battery. Capacitor A contains air, while capacitor B is filled with a dielectric of constant 2.2. The electric fields within both capacitors are derived using the equations E = V/d and E0 = σ/ε0. The participant successfully calculated the electric field in capacitor A and the free charge density on its plates but struggled with the electric field in capacitor B, indicating a misunderstanding of the relationship between the dielectric and the electric field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parallel-plate capacitors
  • Familiarity with electric field equations (E = V/d)
  • Knowledge of dielectric materials and their properties
  • Basic concepts of charge density (σ) and permittivity (ε0)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of dielectrics on electric fields in capacitors
  • Learn about the relationship between charge density and electric field in capacitors
  • Explore the concept of equivalent capacitance in parallel configurations
  • Review the derivation and application of Gauss's Law in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding capacitor behavior in circuits.

jchoca
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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.
 
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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...
 

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