Parallel plate capacitor with dielectric. Find capacitance

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor after inserting a dielectric material. The capacitor's plates are specified in size and separation, and the dielectric's properties are given, including its thickness and dielectric constant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations related to capacitance and electric fields, including the effects of introducing a dielectric. Some explore the relationship between capacitance and the dielectric's size, while others question the assumptions made in their calculations.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations of how to approach the problem, particularly regarding the impact of the dielectric's size on capacitance. Some participants have provided equations and reasoning, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct method or outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available or the methods they can use. There is an ongoing discussion about the implications of partially filling the space between the plates with the dielectric.

physics16102
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The plates of a parallel plate capacitor measure 15cm x 15cm, and they are separated by 6cm. The capacitor is charged with a potential difference of 18V, then removed from the voltage source and kept isolated. A 15cm x 15cm x 3cm slab of dielectric material (k = 2.5) is inserted between the plates. What is the capacitance in µF after the dielectric is inserted?



Homework Equations


Vi=Ei*d (1)
E=(ke)Q/r^2 (2)
V=(Vi)/k (3)
C=Q/V (4)

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the formulas above in that order. I solved first for E(initial) using V(initial) and d=.06. I got E(i)=300
I then plugged E(i) it into eqn(2) to get Q. Q=1.2 x 10^-10
Next, I found V using eqn(3): 18V/2.5 to get V=7.2

Finally, I plugged Q and V into eqn 4 and got 1.7 x 10^-11

This doesn't match any of my multiple choice answers. Can someone help me figure out where I went wrong or give me a better plan of attack for this type of problem?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the capacitance in µF after the dielectric is inserted?

Capacitance does not depend on the charge on the plate or PD across the plates. When you introduce dielectric slab, the capacitance increases.

C = k*Co where C is the capacitance with dielectric, Co is the capacitance without dielectric and k is th dielectric constant.
 
Does the size of the dielectric affect the answer?
C for parallel plates= (eps)A/d
I used that to get C(i) and then multiply by the dielectric coefficient, but I am still incorrect
 
physics16102 said:
Does the size of the dielectric affect the answer?
C for parallel plates= (eps)A/d
I used that to get C(i) and then multiply by the dielectric coefficient, but I am still incorrect
If the dielectric is completely occupies the space between the plates, then the C = Co*k applies. If the a part of the space is filled, them

C = εο*A /[(d-x) + x/k], where x is the thickness of the dielectric slab.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
3K