How to solve for the capacitance of an interlocking plates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the capacitance of a capacitor made of interlocking plates, with specific dimensions provided for plate separation and area. The context is within the subject area of electrostatics and capacitance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the capacitance formula for parallel capacitors but questions the correctness of their approach after receiving unexpected results. Participants discuss the number of capacitors assumed to be in parallel and clarify the configuration of the plates.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the assumptions made about the capacitor configuration. Some guidance has been provided regarding the interpretation of the plate arrangement, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of the capacitor's design and the number of plates involved, which may affect the calculation of capacitance. There is an acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings regarding the setup of the problem.

mba444
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Homework Statement



A capacitor is constructed of interlocking
plates as shown in the figure (a cross-sectional
view). The separation between adjacent
plates is 1.26 mm, and the effective area of
one of the adjacent plates is 6.1 cm2.

http://images.upload2world.com/get-6-2009-upload2world_com_jdqtdnhw.jpg

The permittivity of a vacuum is 8.85419 × 10−12 C2/N · m2.
Ignoring side effects, calculate the capaci-
tance of this unit. Answer in units of pF.


Homework Equations



C=(Eo*A)/d


The Attempt at a Solution



what i did is that i assumed that the capacitors are parrallel therefore i used this equation by plugging the given values .. but still i keep getting the wrong answer ..

i am looking forward for your help
thanx in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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hey mba444, welcome to PF :)
how many capacitors you assumed that are parrallel?
 
thanx for welcoming

2
 
:bugeye:sure not:-p, you know that each capacitor have two plates separated by the vacuum now look again at the pic, got it?!...
 
Ohhh

thereore 8

thanx a lot :shy:
 

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