How Do You Solve Capacitor and Circuit Homework Problems?

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To solve the capacitor problem, the capacitance can be calculated using the formula C = ε₀(A/d), where A is the area of the plates and d is the distance between them. For parts b, c, and d, the charge can be found using Q = C * V, the electric field is E = V/d, and the work done by the battery is W = Q * V. The second problem requires applying Kirchhoff's Rules to analyze the circuit, focusing on loop and junction rules to find the current in each resistor. It's recommended to reference textbooks or online resources for detailed explanations of these concepts. Understanding the formulas and applying them correctly will lead to the solutions for both homework problems.
Nick L
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Ok, I have 2 homework problems that I don't really know where to even start.
The first one is:
A homemade capacitor is assembled by placing two 15-cm pie tins 20 cm apart and connecting them to opposite terminals of a battery. Calculate the following:
a) the capacitance
b) the charge on each plate
c) the electric field halfway between the plates
d) the work done by the battery to charge the plates

I was able to get part a, but I don't know where to begin for parts b,c, and d.


The second problem uses Kirchhoff's Rules.
Find the current in each of the three resistors of the circuit below:
physics.jpg

I did not have any idea where to start with this one. I believe it has something to do with loops.

Any help on either of this would really be appreciated.
 
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Nick, you should show the work you've done with the formulae you've got.
Questions b), c) and d) are all straightforward if you look up the formulae.

The current question needs Kirchoff's rules as you know - so why not look up these rules in a book or in Wiki ...
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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