How Do You Solve Homemade Capacitor Problems?

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To solve the homemade capacitor problem, the capacitance can be estimated using the formula C = A * ε / d, where A is the area of the plates, ε is the permittivity of free space, and d is the distance between the plates. The area can be calculated from the diameter of the pie pans, while the distance is given as 8 cm. The charge on each plate can be found using Q = C * V, where V is the voltage of the battery. The electric field halfway between the plates can be calculated using E = V / d, and the work done by the battery is given by W = 0.5 * C * V^2. Understanding these formulas and their application is essential for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


The homemade capacitor is assembled by placing two 6 in pie pans 8 cm apart and connecting them to the opposite terminals of a 9 V battery.

(a) Estimate the capacitance.
___ pF
(b) Estimate the charge on each plate.
____ pC
(c) Estimate the electric field halfway between the plates.
___ V/m
(d) Estimate the work done by the battery to charge the plates.
____ J

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution


I have no idea where to start
 
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What's the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor?
 
Yes, so you should be able to calculate the capacitance of the homemade capacitor, which is essentially two parallel plates.
 
Can you point of which formula(s) i should use? Thanks
 
What does A or D refer to? and What is the Epslion number?
 
I think you need to reread the chapter in your textbook about capacitors (and possibly the chapter about Gauss' law).
 
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