How charge density of plate is changed by permittivity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a parallel-plate vacuum capacitor where the distance between the plates is d, and the capacitor is connected to a battery maintaining a voltage V. The scenario changes when a dielectric with relative permittivity epsilon is introduced, prompting questions about how the charge density of the plates is affected.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to reason that the charge density would decrease with the introduction of a dielectric, but expresses uncertainty about the relevant equations to use. Some participants discuss the relationship between charge, capacitance, and the dielectric properties, while others question the necessity of specific parameters like the area of the plates in capacitance calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem, including the implications of introducing a dielectric and the calculations involved in determining charge density and capacitance. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance on considering arbitrary areas for calculations has been suggested.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the relationship between charge density, electric field, and the properties of the dielectric, as well as the need for specific parameters in their calculations.

Aleksandre
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Homework Statement


Distance between plates of a parallel-plate vacuum capacitor is d. The capacitor is attached to a battery that keeps it at a voltage V. The space between plates is now filled dielectric relative permittivity epsilon. How will charge density of the plates change?

Homework Equations


sigma = charge density
epsilon0 = The vacuum permittivity constant
E=sigma/2*epsilon0

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not sure how to approach the problem. Theoretically, I suppose that charge density would decrease, a vacuum does not let Electric field decrease which is inversely proportional to charge. But as soon as a dielectric is used, the electric field decreases so the charge density of plate decreases. Unfortunately, I do not know which would be relevant equations to use here so that I could use charge density, voltage, d and all relative quantities. Hope you can give me some directions.
 
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For a given sized capacitor with a known dielectric, you know how much charge is stored at a given voltage, because you can calculate the capacitance from the dimensions and the dielectric.

Edit: dielectric permittivity
 
Merlin3189 said:
For a given sized capacitor with a known dielectric, you know how much charge is stored at a given voltage, because you can calculate the capacitance from the dimensions and the dielectric.

Edit: dielectric permittivity

Does not capacitance formula require an area of the plate? C=epsilon*Area/distance
 
You could you just assume an arbitrary area. Say unit area?
 

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