Parallel plate capacitor with dielectric. Find capacitance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor after inserting a dielectric slab. The initial capacitance without the dielectric is determined using the formula C = ε₀A/d, where A is the area of the plates and d is the separation distance. When a dielectric with a constant k is introduced, the capacitance increases according to C = kC₀, provided the dielectric fully occupies the space between the plates. If the dielectric does not completely fill the gap, a modified formula is used: C = ε₀A /[(d-x) + x/k], where x is the thickness of the dielectric. The user seeks clarification on the calculations and the impact of the dielectric's size on the overall capacitance.
physics16102
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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?
 
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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.
 
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