Understanding Cylindrical Capacitors: Charged vs. Disconnected

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of cylindrical capacitors when one cylinder is withdrawn while the capacitor is charged and disconnected. It is established that withdrawing the inner cylinder alters the capacitance, which in turn affects the potential difference if the charge remains fixed. This scenario is analogous to a parallel plate capacitor where varying plate separation impacts capacitance and potential difference, emphasizing the importance of understanding the relationship between charge, capacitance, and potential in capacitor systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Cylindrical capacitor theory
  • Capacitance calculations
  • Understanding of electric potential and charge
  • Parallel plate capacitor behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of capacitance for cylindrical capacitors
  • Explore the effects of charge conservation in capacitors
  • Learn about the implications of disconnecting capacitors from voltage sources
  • Investigate the relationship between capacitance and potential difference in various capacitor configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone studying capacitor behavior in circuits will benefit from this discussion.

Toby_phys
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Homework Statement



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Normally this style of question wouldn't be too bad, however the 2 different parts confused me. Surely once set to a potential V, it would stay at that potential - it doesn't need to stay connected

How are the 2 parts any different from each other?
 
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Withdrawing the inner cylinder changes the capacitance. If the charge is fixed (no external connection), how does potential difference vary when capacitance varies?

Note that this is similar to the problem where a parallel plate capacitor has its plate separation varied while either connected to, or not connected to, a voltage source.
 
ahh, so its charged up, disconnected and then withdrawn? I guess if it were withdrawn before being charges it would be the same as a smaller capacitor
 

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