Parallel-Plate Capacitor Separation

In summary, the plate separation of a parallel-plate capacitor with a plate area of 18.5 cm2 and a capacitance of 4.8 pF can be calculated using the equation C = κε0 (A/d). However, the conversion from cm2 to m2 is incorrect as 1 cm2 ≠ .01 m2. The correct calculation for d is .00341255625 m.
  • #1
beeteep
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Homework Statement


A parallel-plate capacitor has a plate area of 18.5 cm2 and a capacitance of 4.8 pF
What is the plate separation? The value of the permittivity of a vacuum is 8.8542 x 10-12 C2/N⋅m2

Homework Equations


C = κε0 (A/d)

The Attempt at a Solution


4.8x10-12 = ((8.8542x10-12)(1)(.185)) / d

d = .341255625 m
 
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  • #2
The conversion from cm2 to m2 is not correct.
1 cm = .01 m, but 1 cm2 ≠ .01m2.
 
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Likes beeteep
  • #3
I didn't know there was a difference between converting between cm2 and m2. I'll need to do a little more digging on how to properly convert between those, but you are correct. That was my issue. Thanks for your help!
 

1. What is a parallel-plate capacitor?

A parallel-plate capacitor is a type of capacitor that consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material. It is used to store electrical energy by creating an electric field between the plates.

2. How does the separation of the plates affect the capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor?

The capacitance of a parallel-plate capacitor is directly proportional to the area of the plates and inversely proportional to the distance between them. This means that increasing the separation between the plates decreases the capacitance, while decreasing the separation increases the capacitance.

3. What is the unit of measurement for the separation of parallel-plate capacitors?

The separation of parallel-plate capacitors is typically measured in meters (m). However, in some cases, it may also be measured in millimeters (mm) or micrometers (μm).

4. How does the dielectric material between the plates affect the separation of a parallel-plate capacitor?

The dielectric material between the plates of a parallel-plate capacitor affects the separation by influencing the strength of the electric field. A material with a higher dielectric constant will weaken the electric field, resulting in a larger separation between the plates for the same capacitance.

5. What is the significance of the separation in the functioning of a parallel-plate capacitor?

The separation between the plates is a crucial factor in the functioning of a parallel-plate capacitor. It determines the amount of charge that can be stored and the strength of the electric field. A larger separation results in a lower capacitance and a weaker electric field, while a smaller separation increases the capacitance and the strength of the electric field.

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