Parallel capacitor, electrostatic energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electrostatic energy in an isolated charged parallel capacitor when the separation between its plates is increased. Participants explore the relationship between plate separation and stored energy, questioning how these factors interact within the context of electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to identify the relevant equations for electrostatic energy and question the implications of increasing plate separation. Some express confusion over the definitions and relationships between electrostatic energy and electric potential energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing hints and prompting each other to clarify concepts. Some have offered guidance on researching electrostatic energy, while others are exploring different interpretations of how energy changes with distance.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some uncertainty regarding the correct formulas and definitions related to electrostatic energy, as well as the assumptions about the system being analyzed. Participants are encouraged to utilize various resources to enhance their understanding.

dinhjeffrey
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Homework Statement



if the separation between the plates of an isolated charged parallel-capactior is increased, why does the stored electrostatic energy increase?

Homework Equations



C=eA/d
e= permitivity of space

The Attempt at a Solution


i do not know the equation of electrostatic energy, is it E = (1/4πεo)Q/r2?
if so, then if distance increase, the radius in this here equation would increase therefore the electrostatic energy should be lowered?
 
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hi dinhjeffrey! :smile:
dinhjeffrey said:
if the separation between the plates of an isolated charged parallel capacitor is increased, why does the stored electrostatic energy increase?

hint: what do we have to do to increase energy? :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
hi dinhjeffrey! :smile:


hint: what do we have to do to increase energy? :wink:

wait which formula is for electrostatic energy again? i get all the electric formulas mixed up ><
 
does the formula matter?

what do we have to do to increase energy? :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
does the formula matter?

what do we have to do to increase energy? :wink:

umm do we increase temperature? i am really bad at physics ><
 
First you have to know what electrostatic energy is, look that one up in wikipedia for instance (use all the resources at your disposal, search the net, look through your books, then ask questions).
How does the electrostatic energy change when the distance between the plates in a parallel plate capacitor is changed?
Can you find the answers to these questions?
 
ojs said:
First you have to know what electrostatic energy is, look that one up in wikipedia for instance (use all the resources at your disposal, search the net, look through your books, then ask questions).
How does the electrostatic energy change when the distance between the plates in a parallel plate capacitor is changed?
Can you find the answers to these questions?

yeah i was confused when i googled it because i thought electrostatic energy isn't the same as electric potential energy.
oh okay i think i get it. is it because PE=-qe⌂x, so if you increase distance, PE(electrostatic energy) increase too?
 
Correct! You solved your problem :-)
 
why not just use change in energy = work done ? :rolleyes:

do we have to do work to bring the plates nearer, or further apart? :smile:
 

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