Parallel Plate Capacitor - Dielectric Oscillator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on constructing a parallel plate capacitor with an oscillating dielectric material for a high school electricity demonstration. Participants suggest using two aluminum plates connected to a battery and recommend alternatives to Styrofoam, such as ceramics or ice, due to their higher dielectric constants. Key considerations include calculating the capacitance and minimizing the gap between plates to enhance oscillation. The target capacitance range discussed is in the nanofarad range for optimal performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parallel plate capacitor design
  • Knowledge of dielectric materials and their properties
  • Basic principles of oscillation and pendulum mechanics
  • Ability to perform capacitance calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research dielectric materials with higher dielectric constants, such as ceramics and ice
  • Learn how to calculate capacitance for parallel plate capacitors
  • Explore methods to minimize the gap between capacitor plates
  • Investigate the effects of varying capacitance in the nanofarad range on oscillation
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, educators demonstrating electricity concepts, and hobbyists interested in capacitor experiments and oscillation mechanics.

connorb1542
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In my high school calculus-based electricity class two students and I are trying to create a demo where we set up a parallel plate capacitor and have some dielectric material inside it that we can pull out slightly, and have it oscillate into and out of the capacitor.

Some ideas we have already:
Two aluminum plates hooked up to a battery as our capacitor
Styrofoam as dielectric material (lightweight)
Maybe use some string to make it like a pendulum?

Any ideas or advice on how to construct would be greatly appreciated
 
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Styrofoam has a dielectric constant that is very close to 1 (being a large volume fraction air). So, it really won't do much. Most plastics have dielectric constants between 2 and 5, so I would recommend something more interesting. ceramics can be more interesting, as could ice.

Second item: be sure to calculate the capacitance of your capacitor. You really want the thinnest gap you can manage.
 
The thing with ceramics and similar substances is that I'm afraid they'll be too heavy to oscillate.
 
Also, what is a good capacitance to shoot for- that is, the one that would yield the best results? Is the nanofarad range a good goal?
 

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