How Is the Capacitance of a Parallel-Plate Air Capacitor Calculated?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the capacitance of a parallel-plate air capacitor, given specific parameters such as plate area, separation distance, and electric field strength. The context includes both theoretical understanding and practical application of capacitance concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between electric energy, charge, and capacitance, with one suggesting to start by calculating electric energy for the given charge setup. Others mention the importance of understanding how to calculate the capacitance in both parallel and series configurations.

Discussion Status

Some participants are seeking guidance on how to begin the calculations, indicating a collaborative atmosphere. There is an acknowledgment of the need for foundational formulas related to capacitance, electric field, and charge, but no consensus or complete solutions have been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to share their progress and specific challenges, suggesting that the discussion is open to various interpretations and approaches to the problem.

vegamontalvo
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Each plate of a parallel-plate air capacitor has an area of 0.0070 m2, and the separation of the plates
is 0.030 mm. An electric field of 4.0 × 106 V/m is present between the plates. The capacitance of the
capacitor, in pF, is closest to:?


The capacitive network shown is assembled with initially uncharged capacitors. A potential difference, Vab = +100 V, is
applied across the network. The switch S in the network is kept open throughout.
 

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Capacitance is electric energy per charge, you should be able to calculate the electric energy for a given charge setup so just put Q -Q on the capacitor and continue on from there.

As for the second it is just about knowing how to calculate parallel and series of capacitors. You should be able to prove these from the definition of capacitance.

If you have any problems try to start, post how far you got and I can give you more from there.
 
yes i need help to start! thank you
 
welcome to pf!

hi vegamontalvo! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
vegamontalvo said:
Each plate of a parallel-plate air capacitor has an area of 0.0070 m2, and the separation of the plates
is 0.030 mm. An electric field of 4.0 × 106 V/m is present between the plates. The capacitance of the
capacitor, in pF, is closest to:?

what formulas do you know relating E d A Q and C for a capacitor ? :smile:
Klockan3 said:
Capacitance is electric energy per charge …


no, capacitance = charge per voltage
 

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