How Much Thermal Heat Does a Resistor Emit When Charging a Capacitor?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the thermal heat emitted from a resistor when charging a capacitor in a circuit consisting of a 2 µF capacitor, a 2 Ω resistor, and a 6 V battery. The correct amount of charge stored in the capacitor is 12 µC, leading to a work done by the battery of 36 µJ during charging. The participants debated the heat emitted, initially calculating it as 3/4 of the work done, but later recognized the need to compare energy stored in the capacitor and energy dissipated as heat, ultimately concluding that the thermal heat emitted is 6 µJ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor charging equations (Q = CV)
  • Knowledge of resistor power dissipation (U = RI)
  • Familiarity with energy conservation principles in electrical circuits
  • Basic circuit analysis skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between energy stored in capacitors and energy dissipated in resistors
  • Learn about the thermal effects of resistors in RC circuits
  • Explore the concept of energy conservation in electrical systems
  • Investigate the implications of capacitor discharge on thermal energy output
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Students studying electrical engineering, circuit designers, and anyone interested in the thermal dynamics of capacitors and resistors in electronic circuits.

Horse
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Homework Statement



A resistor, a capacitor, a battery and a switch are connected to a circuit. The capacitor will be charged from the empty state to the full state.

During the period in which the capacitor is charged, how much thermal heat is emitted from the resistor?

C = 2 \mu F
R = 2 \Omega
E = 6 V

Homework Equations



U = RI
Q = CV

The Attempt at a Solution



The amount of charge stored in the capacitor is: 6 V * 2 \mu F = 12 \mu C.

The amount of work done by the battery is 12 \mu C* 6 V *1/2 = 36 \mu J, during charging.

The amount of heat is (wrongly) 3/4 * 36 \mu J.
 
Last edited:
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Horse said:

Homework Statement



A resistor, a capacitor, a battery and a switch are connected to a circuit. The capacitor will be charged from the empty state to the full state.

During the period in which the capacitor is charged, how much thermal heat is emitted from the resistor?

C = 2 \mu F
R = 2 \Omega
E = 6 V

Homework Equations



U = RI
Q = CV

The Attempt at a Solution



The amount of charge stored in the capacitor is: 6 V * 2 \mu F = 12 \mu C.

The amount of work done by the battery is 12 \mu C* 6 V *1/2 = 36 \mu J, during charging.

The amount of heat is (wrongly) 3/4 * 36 \mu J.
What is the energy stored in the capacitor in terms of C and V?

Assume the energy stored in the capacitor is transformed into heat in the resistor when the capacitor discharges. How does this relate to the reverse when it charges?

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
What is the energy stored in the capacitor in terms of C and V?

Assume the energy stored in the capacitor is transformed into heat in the resistor when the capacitor discharges. How does this relate to the reverse when it charges?

AM

The energy (=QV) is 12 \mu C * 6 V = 66 \mu J. But somethig must be wrong, as I have:
Horse said:
The amount of work done by the battery is 12 \mu C* 6 V *1/2 = 36 \mu J, during charging.

Perhaps, it is 12 \mu C* 6 V = 72 \mu J. ? Dunno why ?

If we suppose the logic right, we get a result for the energy emitted:

72 \mu J - 66 \mu J = 6 \mu J

The amount of the thermal heat emitted is the difference between the energy emitted during discharging and the work done by the battery.

After-thought
NB. If I am right, the unit check shows that my calculations are wrong. E != CQ, E = C*Q^2. Now, I must be mistaken.
 
Last edited:

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