Help! Calculating Capacitance from Voltage & Charge

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the capacitance of a capacitor given the change in charge and voltage, the relevant formula is C = Q/V. In this case, the charge increases by 21 µC when the voltage changes from 99 V to 127 V. The change in voltage (ΔV) is 28 V, so capacitance can be determined by dividing the change in charge by the change in voltage. This results in C = 21 µC / 28 V, which simplifies to 0.75 µF. Understanding the relationship between charge, voltage, and capacitance is crucial for solving such problems.
nw0rbrolyat
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Capacitance (Please Help!)

Homework Statement


The charge on a capacitor increases by 21 \mu(micro) C when the voltage across it increases from 99 V to 127 V.

What is the capacitance of the capacitor?

Homework Equations


There is Q=cV, or C=Q/v. But there are 2 unknowns and no number for the charge? I am confused!

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't even know where to start? =/
This is all that was given in the question.
 
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nw0rbrolyat said:
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known
There is Q=cV, or C=Q/v. But there are 2 unknowns and no number for the charge? I am confused!

There are also two equations, so it should be OK.
Write the equation for each state (initial V=99 V and final V=127 V) and subtract the two equations.
 


I don't think I am following you. Use which equation?
I did x(99)=(x+21)(127) and got -95.25
I used C=QV
 


C=QV is incorrect.
I mean the equation Q=CV
 


All you know is that charge increased when you changed your voltage, which should be apparent from the equation Q=CV. This is a linear equation meaning that if you graphed Q as a function of V you would get a straight line whose slope is C. If you recall from geometry,

m=\frac{\Delta Y}{\Delta X}

So dividing your change in Q by your change in V should yield C.

Alternatively, you can solve the system of 2 equations and 2 unknowns:

Q_{i}=C V_{i}
Q_{f}=C V_{f}
 
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