Multiple dielectrics in one capacitor

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the optimal configuration of multiple dielectrics in a parallel plate capacitor using two sheets of copper and three dielectric materials: mica (0.10 mm, κ=6), glass (2.0 mm, κ=7), and paraffin wax (1.0 cm, κ=2). The capacitance for each dielectric is calculated using the formula C=(κ)(ε)(Area)/(Distance). The challenge lies in deriving a formula for the effective capacitance when multiple dielectrics are stacked, which involves treating each dielectric as a distinct capacitor connected in series. The correct approach for calculating total capacitance in this scenario is given by 1/C = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + ... + 1/Cn.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parallel plate capacitor theory
  • Familiarity with dielectric constants and their effects on capacitance
  • Knowledge of capacitance formulas, particularly C=(κ)(ε)(Area)/(Distance)
  • Basic grasp of series and parallel circuit configurations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of effective capacitance for capacitors in series with multiple dielectrics
  • Study the impact of dielectric materials on capacitor performance in practical applications
  • Explore advanced topics in capacitor design, including the use of composite dielectrics
  • Learn about simulation tools for modeling capacitors with multiple dielectrics
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in capacitor design or analysis, particularly those working with multiple dielectric materials in electronic components.

Rake-MC
Messages
324
Reaction score
0
Hi guys, I'm absolutely, completely and utterly stumped with this one question I've been given..

Here is the exact question:

Given that you possesses the following materials:
(i) two sheets of copper of uniform thickness;
(ii) one sheet of mica of uniform thickness 0.10 mm and dielectric constant κ= 6;
(iii) one sheet of glass of uniform thickness 2.0 mm and dielectric constant κ = 7;
(iv) one sheet of paraffin wax of uniform thickness 1.0 cm and dielectric constant
κ = 2;
determine which sheet, or combination of sheets, will produce a parallel plate capacitor of
the largest capacitance when placed between the copper sheets. Assume that all sheets
have the same shape.

Relevant equations that I have are:
C=(kappa)(epsilon)(Area)/(Distance)
V=V[initial]/kappa
but there are probably plenty more. I have equations for potential energy and such, but I'm not sure if they are necessary for the question.

attempt at a solution

Well as I said, I am completely stumped. I can calculate the capacitance of each dielectric on its own in the capacitor, but the combination ones are the ones I'm stuck with. This is what I've got so far {probably way off track}.

C[mica] = 6(epsilon)(area)/0.1x10^-3
C[glass] = 7(epsilon)(area)/2x10^-3
C[wax] = 2(epsilon)(area)/0.01

Can I ignore epsilon and area because they are common in all the equations?

for the dielectrics next to each other;

C[effective] = C[no dielectric]*k[1]*k[2]

This is most likely wrong. I know that for one dielectric, you can simply say that C[effective] = C[no dielectric]*k
where k = kappa

But I simply don't know how to derive a formula for multiple dielectrics.

Also, I do have knowledge of the theory of how dielectrics work, ie. how they generate opposing electric fields to that of the capacitor, but I am still 100% stuck with this question..Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you have multiple sheets of dielectric stacked on each other, you can imagine that each sheet is a distinct capacitor and these capacitors are connected in series. The total capacitance C is then

[tex]\frac{1}{C} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \cdots + \frac{1}{C_n}[/tex]
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K