Help! Calculating Capacitance from Voltage & Charge

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the capacitance of a capacitor given a change in charge and voltage. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the relationship between charge, voltage, and capacitance, specifically noting the lack of a clear starting point due to the presence of two unknowns.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevant equations, particularly Q = CV and C = Q/V, and explore how to apply them given the change in voltage and charge. Some suggest writing equations for both initial and final states and subtracting them, while others express uncertainty about which equation to use.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering different perspectives on the equations involved and how to approach the problem. There is an acknowledgment of the linear relationship between charge and voltage, and some guidance is provided regarding the use of changes in charge and voltage to find capacitance.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of having two unknowns and the need for additional information or clarification on how to proceed with the calculations.

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.
 
Last edited:
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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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