Dielectric Capacitance of Parallel Plate Cap

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor filled with a dielectric material whose relative permittivity varies from \(\epsilon_r = 1\) to \(\epsilon_r = 10\). Participants are exploring the implications of this variation on the capacitance formula.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between electric field, voltage, and capacitance, considering the need for integration due to the varying dielectric. There is a mention of evaluating the capacitance from 10 to 1, with some confusion about the appearance of a logarithmic term in the final expression.

Discussion Status

Some participants are questioning how the dielectric varies and whether it is linear. There is an acknowledgment of the need to integrate to find the correct capacitance, and one participant expresses intent to further explore the problem after receiving clarification.

Contextual Notes

One participant confirms that the dielectric varies linearly, which may influence the calculations and assumptions being made about the capacitance.

jesuslovesu
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Homework Statement


A parallel plate cap of cross sectional area A and thickness d is filled with a dielectric material whose relative permittivity varies from \epsilon_r = 1 to \epsilon_r = 10
Find the capacitance.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



C = Q/V

E = \sigma / e0 \epsilon_r

I am thinking that since V = - \int{}{} E dot dl I need to integrate, I can't quite figure out the relationship between this though.

I kind of would like to just evaluate the from 10 to 1 and get C = 9 A e0 / d but that isn't quite it.
C = 9A e0 / d is close to the answer, but somehow a ln sneaks in there too?
 
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how does the dielectric vary from 1 to 10? linearly?
 
jesuslovesu said:

Homework Statement


A parallel plate cap of cross sectional area A and thickness d is filled with a dielectric material whose relative permittivity varies from \epsilon_r = 1 to \epsilon_r = 10
Find the capacitance.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



C = Q/V

E = \sigma / e0 \epsilon_r

I am thinking that since V = - \int{}{} E dot dl I need to integrate
no
<br /> V=\int \vec E \cdot d\vec \ell=\int_{x=0}^{x=\ell}\frac{D}{\epsilon(x)}dx=D\int_{x=0}^{x=\ell}\frac{1}{\epsilon(x)}dx<br />
and if eps varies linearly one does end up with a log term in the capacitance. (here D=\epsilon E is the electric displacemnt field)

I kind of would like to just evaluate the from 10 to 1 and get C = 9 A e0 / d but that isn't quite it.
C = 9A e0 / d is close to the answer, but somehow a ln sneaks in there too?[/QUOTE]
 
Yes, sorry it's linearly.


Cool thanks, I'll give it a shot now.
 

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