Energy of a Capacitor in the Presence of a Dielectric

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy of a dielectric-filled parallel-plate capacitor under various conditions. The energy of the dielectric-filled capacitor, while connected to a battery, is given by the formula U_1 = (ε₀ * K * A * V²) / (2d). When the dielectric is partially removed, the energy U_2 can be analyzed by considering the capacitor as two capacitors in parallel, one with dielectric and one without. The final energy U_s and the work done W during the complete removal of the dielectric from a disconnected capacitor are also derived using the principles of capacitance and energy conservation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor fundamentals, including capacitance and energy storage.
  • Familiarity with dielectric materials and their impact on capacitance.
  • Knowledge of parallel-plate capacitor equations and configurations.
  • Basic principles of electrical circuits, particularly regarding connected and disconnected components.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of energy equations for capacitors with and without dielectrics.
  • Learn about the concept of equivalent capacitance in parallel configurations.
  • Explore the effects of dielectric constants on capacitor performance.
  • Investigate energy conservation principles in electrical circuits involving capacitors.
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Students and professionals in electrical engineering, physicists studying electromagnetism, and anyone interested in capacitor design and analysis.

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An dielectric-filled parallel-plate capacitor has plate area A and plate separation d. The capacitor is connected to a battery that creates a constant voltage V. The dielectric constant is K.

A. Find the energy U_1 of the dielectric-filled capacitor. The capacitor remains connected to the battery

I was able to figure out this one:
(epsilon_0*K*A*V^2)/(2d)

But I cannot figure out the rest...

B.The dielectric plate is now slowly pulled out of the capacitor, which remains connected to the battery. Find the energy U_2 of the capacitor at the moment when the capacitor is half filled with the dielectric. Express your answer in terms of A,d,V,K,epsilon_0.

C.The capactor is now disconnected from the battery, and the dielectric plate is then slowly removed the rest of the way out of the capacitor. Find the new energy of the capacitor, U_s.Express your answer in terms of A,d,V,K,epsilon_0

D. In the process of removing the remaining portion of the dielectric from the disconnected capacitor, how much work W is done by the external agent acting on the dielectric.Express your answer in terms of A,d,V,K,epsilon_0

ANY help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance
 
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When the capacitor is half filled with the dielectric, you can imagine two capacitors having area A/2 each and connected in parallel. One of them is with dielectric and other without dielectric. Calculate the equivalent capacitance and charge on it. By this hint you can solve C and D
 
I tried this for C and it was wrong?
epsilon_0*K*(A/2)*V^2/(2d)

what am I doing wrong?
 
C1 = epsilon_0*A/2*/d and C2 = epsilon_0*K*(A/2)/d. Since the battery is still connected the potential difference is same in C1 and C2.
 

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