Calculating Capacitance for a Rolled Capacitor

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The discussion focuses on calculating the capacitance of a rolled capacitor using the formula C = k * ε0 * A / d. The initial attempt to solve the problem resulted in an incorrect value for the length (L), leading to confusion about the correct distance (d) between the metal surfaces. It was clarified that d should represent the thickness of the metal foil rather than the paper. After consulting with the teacher, it was determined that the capacitance value of 9.49 E-8 F should be considered before the capacitor is rolled, not after. Understanding this distinction resolved the confusion regarding the calculations.
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


C = k *\epsilon0 * A / d


The Attempt at a Solution


I attempted setting the equation up as:
C/2 (because rolling the capacitor doubles C) = k * \epsilon0 * L * W / d
9.49 * 10-8 F/2 = 3.9 * 8.85 * 10-12C2 / (N * m2) * L * 7.43cm / .00282 mm
9.49 * 10-8 F/2 * .00282 mm = 3.9 * 8.85 * 10-12C2 / (N * m2) * L * 7.43cm
(9.49 * 10-8 F/2 * .00282 mm)/(3.9 * 8.85 * 10-12C2 / (N * m2) *7.43cm) = L
L= 0.05218 meters

It's an online assignment and it says .05218 isn't the right answer, can someone show me where I've messed up?
 
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Read the problem again: what should be d, the distance between the metal surfaces? Is it equal to the thickness of the metal foil or that of the paper?

ehild
 
Ok, I tried:
(9.49 * 10^-8 F/2 * .0246 mm)/(3.9 * 8.85 * 10^-12C^2 / (N * m^2) *7.43cm)
Instead and got 0.4552 meters, but it still says the answer is incorrect
 
I talked with the teacher and I was misreading the problem, it wants it to have the 9.49 E-8 F capacitance before it's rolled, not after, and the part about C being doubled when it is rolled was just put there to explain why there is a difference before and after it's rolled.
Thanks for your help ;)
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'
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