Defibrillator: charge, capacitance, power and current problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the operation and calculations related to a defibrillator, specifically focusing on a capacitor rated at 20.0 μF charged to 4,000 Volts. The charge stored in the capacitor is calculated to be 0.08 Coulombs, and the energy released upon discharge is 160 Joules. The average current delivered during a complete discharge over 2.0 milliseconds is determined to be 40 Amperes, leading to an initial average power output of 160,000 Watts. However, it is noted that this power value only applies at the start of the discharge, as the voltage decreases to zero by the end.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor charging and discharging principles
  • Familiarity with basic electrical equations: C=Q/V, Energy stored=1/2 C*V^2
  • Knowledge of current and power calculations: I=Q/t, P=IV
  • Concept of average power versus instantaneous power in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of voltage drop on average power calculations in capacitive circuits
  • Explore advanced equations for calculating power in varying voltage scenarios
  • Learn about the role of capacitors in medical devices, particularly defibrillators
  • Investigate the safety protocols and operational procedures for using defibrillators
USEFUL FOR

Medical professionals, electrical engineers, and students studying biomedical engineering or electrical circuits will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the technical aspects of defibrillator operation and electrical energy calculations.

bmandrade
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Homework Statement


A heart dysfunction that can cause death is ventricular fibrillation. This is an
uncoordinated quivering of the heart as opposed to regular beating. An electric shock to
the chest can cause momentary paralysis of the heart muscle, after which the heart will
sometimes start organized beating again. A defibrillator is a device that applies a strong
electric shock to the chest over a time of a few milliseconds. The device contains a
capacitor of several microfarads, charged to several thousand volts. Electrodes called
paddles, about 8 cm across and coated with conducting paste, are held against the chest
on both sides of the heart. Their handles are insulated to prevent injury to the operator,
who calls “Clear!” and pushes a button on one paddle to discharge the capacitor through
the patient's chest.


Assume that the capacitor in the defibrillator is 20.0 μF and is charged to 4,000 Volts.

a. How much charge is stored in the capacitor before it is discharged?
b. How much energy is released when the capacitor is discharged?
c. If the capacitor completely discharges in 2.0 ms, what is the average current
delivered by the defibrillator?
d. What is the average power delivered?


Homework Equations


C= Q/V
Energy stored= 1/2 C*V^2
I = Q\t
P=I*V


The Attempt at a Solution



a. How much charge is stored in the capacitor before it is discharged?
C= Q/V
Q = C*V = 20E-6 * 4000 = .08 C

b. How much energy is released when the capacitor is discharged?
Energy stored= 1/2 C*V^2 = 1/2 (20E-6)(4000^2 = 160 J

c. If the capacitor completely discharges in 2.0 ms, what is the average current
delivered by the defibrillator?
I = Q/t = .08/.002 = 40 A

d. What is the average power delivered?
P = I*V = 40 (4000)= 1.6X10^5W


I don't know if i did this problem right can someone help me
 
Physics news on Phys.org
a, b, and c look good.

A problem with d:
V is 4000v only at the beginning of the discharge, and drops to 0V by the end of the discharge. So P=I*V=1.6X10^5W is only true at the beginning; the average power will be less.

Do you know any other equations that deal with power?
 

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