Design a Capacitor: 10W, 0.5s, 12V

In summary, the task is to design a capacitor that can start a small motor and meet three requirements: providing an average power of 10W for 0.50 seconds, and having a maximum potential difference of 12V. The relevant equation for this task is E = (1/2)CV², and one may also consider the use of foil and rolled plates to keep the required area reasonable.
  • #1
cfl25
6
0

Homework Statement


You are to design a capacitor capable of providing the energy required to start a small motor. In particular, the capacitor must meet the following three requirements
a) The capacitor must provide an average power of 10W for a time interval of 0.50 seconds
b/ Macimum allowable Capacitor potential difference = 12V

Homework Equations


C = Q/V


The Attempt at a Solution


I am kinda stumped on the average power 10W over 0.5 seconds. Does that mean that i convert back into Energy of 5J or something else?
 
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  • #2
You're missing a relevant equation. Look for one that defines energy in terms of capacitance and voltage.
 
  • #3
skeptic2 said:
you're missing a relevant equation. Look for one that defines energy in terms of capacitance and voltage.


u = (1/2)cv² ?
 
  • #4
That's it.
 
  • #5
is there an equation or an explanation that will help me understand the values if the plates are a foil and rolled together, so it keeps the area needed at a reasonable size?
 

1. What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that is used to store electrical energy in the form of an electric field. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.

2. How is the power rating of a capacitor determined?

The power rating of a capacitor is determined by the maximum amount of power that it can safely handle without overheating or failing. It is usually measured in watts (W) and is dependent on factors such as the type of dielectric material, size, and construction of the capacitor.

3. What does the time constant of a capacitor mean?

The time constant of a capacitor is the time it takes for the capacitor to charge or discharge to 63.2% of its maximum voltage or current. It is determined by the capacitance and resistance of the circuit and is used to calculate how quickly the capacitor will charge or discharge.

4. Can a 10W capacitor handle a higher voltage than 12V?

No, the maximum voltage that a capacitor can handle is determined by its dielectric strength. In this case, the 10W capacitor is rated for a maximum voltage of 12V, so it should not be used with a higher voltage source.

5. How is a 10W, 0.5s, 12V capacitor different from other capacitors?

The 10W, 0.5s, 12V capacitor is different from other capacitors in its power rating, time constant, and maximum voltage. The power rating of 10W means it can handle a power supply of up to 10 watts, the time constant of 0.5 seconds indicates how quickly it will charge or discharge, and the maximum voltage of 12V is the highest voltage it can safely handle.

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