Leakage resistance of capacitor theory help?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the leakage resistance of a capacitor with a leaky dielectric. Participants explore the theoretical framework and mathematical relationships involved in determining this resistance, including the necessary parameters and equations. The scope includes homework-related calculations and conceptual understanding of capacitor behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving a parallel plate capacitor and seeks help in calculating its leakage resistance, expressing uncertainty about their approach.
  • Another participant requests to see the full calculation for resistance, emphasizing the importance of including units in the calculations.
  • A participant clarifies that the problem consists of three parts, detailing the calculations for resistance and capacitance before addressing the leakage resistance.
  • There is a suggestion that the leakage resistance can be calculated using the formula R = ρ(L/A), where L is the thickness of the dielectric and A is the area of the capacitor plates.
  • One participant proposes a specific calculation for leakage resistance, using the values provided, but expresses doubt about the correctness of their result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to calculate leakage resistance using the resistivity and dimensions of the dielectric. However, there is uncertainty regarding the correctness of the calculations and results presented, with no consensus reached on the final value of the leakage resistance.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to keep units consistent throughout calculations and the importance of understanding the relationships between the parameters involved. There are unresolved aspects regarding the application of the formulas and the interpretation of the results.

notsosmart
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
leakage resistance of capacitor theory help??

Homework Statement



i have worked out the answer to my question, yet it seems silly so have convinced myself its wrong. Please help, or tell me if I'm being stupid if you can??

a parallel plate capacitor Er=12, length=10mm, width=5mm, C=100pF, rho=10`14.

calculate the leakage resistance of the capacitor?


Homework Equations




R= rho( length/area) C= (ErEo x A)/ d

The Attempt at a Solution



no idea. got as far as area 5 x 10`-5
EoEr = 1.062 x 10`-10

i just can't figure out how to get back to the capacitors leakage resistance??
 
Physics news on Phys.org


notsosmart said:

Homework Statement



i have worked out the answer to my question, yet it seems silly so have convinced myself its wrong. Please help, or tell me if I'm being stupid if you can??

a parallel plate capacitor Er=12, length=10mm, width=5mm, C=100pF, rho=10`14.

calculate the leakage resistance of the capacitor?


Homework Equations




R= rho( length/area) C= (ErEo x A)/ d

The Attempt at a Solution



no idea. got as far as area 5 x 10`-5
EoEr = 1.062 x 10`-10

i just can't figure out how to get back to the capacitors leakage resistance??

Could you please write out your full R calculation, including units along the way? Your equation for R is correct, but it will help a lot to see the calculation with units (so we don't have to guess or do the full calc).
 


sorry, to clarify properly;
the question is three part.
a) i am given an area of SHEET material with dimensions 10mm x 20mm with rho=10`3ohm/m. i have to calculate the thickness required to give a resistance of 5kohms.
answer; l=A(R/rho)
l =0.01 x 0.02 x (5000/10`3)
l=1mm

b) i am now given a capacitor that is formed by two parallel metal plates separated by a dielectric of Er=12 with plates dimensions of 0.01m x 0.005m. I have to calculate the thickness of the dielectric required to create a capacitor of 100pF.
answer; E=EoEr
E=(8.85x10`-12) x 12
E=1.062 x 10`-10

(Eo is given as a general value in my notebook)

d= EA/C
d= (1.062x10`-12 x (0.01 x 0.005))/100x10-5
d= 5.31x10`-5m

c)I am now asked (this is where i am struggling),to find the leakage resistanceof A non ideal capacitor having having a 'leaky' dielectric. The values given are Er=12, rho=10`14 and C=100pF.

I have asked my tutor for help, and she said to look at the formula used in the 2 previous answers, to work out the leakage resistance. I am struggling to do this. I think she also wants me to incorporate the answers worked out.

Any help greatly appreciated. I am not looking for the answer, just guidance as how to get there.

Thanks for taking the time to read.
 


notsosmart said:
sorry, to clarify properly;
the question is three part.
a) i am given an area of SHEET material with dimensions 10mm x 20mm with rho=10`3ohm/m. i have to calculate the thickness required to give a resistance of 5kohms.
answer; l=A(R/rho)
l =0.01 x 0.02 x (5000/10`3)
l=1mm

b) i am now given a capacitor that is formed by two parallel metal plates separated by a dielectric of Er=12 with plates dimensions of 0.01m x 0.005m. I have to calculate the thickness of the dielectric required to create a capacitor of 100pF.
answer; E=EoEr
E=(8.85x10`-12) x 12
E=1.062 x 10`-10

(Eo is given as a general value in my notebook)

d= EA/C
d= (1.062x10`-12 x (0.01 x 0.005))/100x10-5
d= 5.31x10`-5m

c)I am now asked (this is where i am struggling),to find the leakage resistanceof A non ideal capacitor having having a 'leaky' dielectric. The values given are Er=12, rho=10`14 and C=100pF.

I have asked my tutor for help, and she said to look at the formula used in the 2 previous answers, to work out the leakage resistance. I am struggling to do this. I think she also wants me to incorporate the answers worked out.

Any help greatly appreciated. I am not looking for the answer, just guidance as how to get there.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

The leakage resistance of the cap is just defined by the volume dimensions of the dielectric block in the cap, and the resistivity of the dielectric block. You have most of those numbers, and you just need to keep your units straight in the calcs (convert to mks throughout). To show the equation a little more clearly in latex:

R = \rho \frac{L}{A}
 


Is this simply;

R= 10'14 x ((5.31x10'-5)/ 0.01x0.005)

which equals 1.062x10'14 ohms??

This is the value I calculated first time but was not convinced?? Thanks for helping
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
12K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
31
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K